nice tour to monaco

The Perfect Monaco Day Trip from Nice

Last Updated on March 6, 2024

by Brittany Scott-Gunfield

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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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From Nice to Monaco: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Lisa Alexander Aug 1, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The drive, train, or ferry ride from Nice to Monaco offers a wow factor for such a short journey. Along the way, the mesmerizing expanse of deep-blue Mediterranean waters and silhouettes of the Côte d'Azur prepare you for a spectacular destination. The vistas hint at the glorious scenery you'll enjoy in Monaco.

Monaco is a must-see destination when visiting the French Riviera, especially if you are based in Nice. The two-square-mile royal principality skirts a yacht-filled waterfront, with its ancient castle and citadel perches on a promontory high above the sea.

It's well worth the short trip from Nice. Monaco brims with tourist attractions : historic monuments, tropical gardens, designer boutiques, and gourmet restaurants.

The best way to get from Nice to Monaco depends on your preferred style of travel. If you rent a car for your vacation in Nice, then it makes sense to drive to Monaco. If you don't want to drive, you can just as easily get to Monaco by train. The train runs frequently every day.

To truly appreciate the beauty of the French Riviera coastline, hop on a ferry from Nice to Monaco. You'll feel truly immersed in the leisurely Cote d'Azur lifestyle. Refreshing sea breezes lift your spirits, as you admire the glistening waves of the azure waters.

On This Page:

• From Nice to Monaco by Train
• From Nice to Monaco by Guided Tour
• From Nice to Monaco by Ferry
• From Nice to Monaco by Car

1. From Nice to Monaco by Train

If you prefer traveling independently, taking the train is the best choice for getting from Nice to Monaco. It's straightforward, easy to do, and inexpensive.

The SNCF train company offers multiple routes daily throughout the day (from 5:40am until 9:20pm). In fact, many locals take this quick ride to commute to work. Among tourists, it's one of the most popular day trips from Nice .

You can walk to many attractions of Monaco from the train station, but it's difficult to see all of the highlights on a walking tour. If you travel to Monaco from Nice by train and are only day tripping, you probably want to focus your sightseeing on the Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo districts. Adding in the waterfront area of La Condamine makes for a very long walk.

The train from Nice to Monaco departs from the Gare de Nice-Ville (train station) on Avenue Thiers. You may want to take a taxi to the train station because it's a long walk (on busy streets) from many of the tourist hotels in Nice.

The train from Nice arrives at the Gare de Monaco Monte-Carlo (train station) on the Place Sainte-Dévote in Monaco. It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the train station to the Monte-Carlo district and about 20 minutes to walk to Monaco-Ville (the Old Town).

You may purchase a ticket online in advance. It's also possible to get a ticket at the train station.

SNCF offers a direct route from the Nice-Ville train station to the Monaco Monte-Carlo train station that takes 20 minutes . Trains depart approximately every 15 minutes during peak commute hours and about every half hour for the rest of the day.

Author's Tips : When you get to the train station, look for the letter of the voie (platform) that corresponds with your departure time. On the departure timetable at the train station, the voie will be listed as a letter such as "A" or "B" in a column to the right of the destinations and the time of departure.

If your voie is "A," then you will enter a door to the train tracks marked as "A" and then wait on the platform marked Voie A in front of the tracks where your train will arrive.

2. From Nice to Monaco by Guided Tour

To see as much as possible in Monaco and get there with ease, take a guided excursion. The Monaco Day Trip from Nice includes round-trip transportation and allows ample time for sightseeing at leisure. This small-group tour is a full day (8 hours).

You depart from Nice at 9:00am to begin your scenic driving tour with a stop in the charming medieval village of Eze. After visiting a perfume factory in Eze, you will continue on to Monaco. The tour includes three hours of free time in Monaco-Ville (the Old Town) where you can see the Cathédrale de Monaco and the facade of the Palais Princier de Monaco.

Then, you will have one hour of free time in Monte-Carlo to visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo and/or browse the luxury boutiques around the Place du Casino such as Fendi, Loro Piana, Omega, Harry Winston, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Bulgari, Celine, and Louis Vuitton.

3. From Nice to Monaco by Ferry

The most picturesque and relaxing way to travel from Nice to Monaco is by ferry. From the boat, you'll have a chance to soak up the sunshine and admire the deep-blue hues of the Mediterranean Sea on a 45- to 60-minute trip . You'll also get a front-row seat to view the French Riviera coastline, with its villa-dotted hillsides and yacht-filled harbors.

You can purchase a round-trip ferry excursion from Nice to Monaco . The Ferry from Nice to Monaco departs from the Quai Lunel in Nice at 9:30am and arrives in Monaco at 10:15am. (Note: You must arrive at the Quai Lunel 30 minutes prior to departure, at 9:00am.) The return ferry ride departs from Monaco at 5:00pm and arrives back in Nice at 6:00pm.

The ferry service is available from mid-May through the end of October . This service is geared toward tourists rather than commuters.

Taking the ferry offers the advantage of arriving at the port. This means you can easily see the Monaco waterfront (La Condamine) in addition to the historic Monaco-Ville district.

During your full-day visit, you will have time to see many top tourist attractions within Monaco-Ville: the Musée Océanographique, the Cathédrale de Monaco, the facade of the Palais Princier, and wander atmospheric pedestrian streets lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Alternatively, you could focus on the ritzy Monte-Carlo area, where you can visit the Casino de Monte-Carlo and browse the designer boutiques. It would be possible to visit both Monaco-Ville and Monte-Carlo, but you would be rushed.

4. From Nice to Monaco by Car

Driving from Nice to Monaco offers two main advantages. First, you will enjoy a scenic drive along the legendary Corniche road, a cliffside route with spectacular sea view s. Second, you can see the various districts of Monaco more easily (and quickly) by car than by foot.

A driving tour through Monte-Carlo, Monaco-Ville, and along the waterfront in La Condamine only takes about 30 minutes. To see the same sights, it may not be worth the effort to walk. For instance, it's a steep climb from La Condamine (the waterfront) to the hilltop Monaco-Ville and another uphill walk to Monte-Carlo.

Having a car also allows you to visit out-of-the-way places like the Princess Grace Rose Garden and the Jardin Exotique de Monaco.

One practical consideration when driving into Monaco is the parking. Monaco does have several public parking lots right in the Old Town (Monaco-Ville) and by the port, but you will have to pay per hour.

More on France

• 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

Best Day Tours to Monaco

While it’s really easy to get from Nice to Monaco on your own, there are also plenty of day tours available if you prefer a guided experience. Some popular options include:

• From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour : This tour takes you to the best of Monaco, Monte-Carlo, and Eze in just one day. You’ll get to see the Prince’s Palace, the Grand Prix track, and even visit a perfume factory in Eze.
• From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip : If you’re short on time, this half-day trip is perfect for you. You’ll visit the medieval village of Eze and get to explore Monaco and Monte-Carlo before returning to Nice.
• From Nice: French Riviera in One Day : This tour covers all the highlights of the French Riviera, including Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It’s a great option if you want to see multiple towns in one day.

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 decided 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 4 pm from Monday to Saturday. Unfortunately, it’s closed on Sunday so if you’re spending your one day in Monaco on a Sunday, 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 – 6 pm between April 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 of 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.

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).

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 do 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 | Novotel Monte-Carlo

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.

Planning a trip to the French Riviera?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about the French Riviera. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• The Ultimate 10 Day French Riviera Road Trip Itinerary
• One Day in Nice Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal
• Top 13 Best Day Trips from Nice, France
• 17 Amazing Apartment Rentals and Airbnbs in Nice, France

Other Amazing Destinations in France: Alsace | Paris | Provence

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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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Day Trip to Monaco from Nice

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France 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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Trip from Nice to Monaco

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Travel with us from Nice to Monaco and enhance your visit to Nice with a trip to the second smallest country in the world. You will see the city circuit where the famous Grand Prix is held, visit the church known as the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Oceanographic Museum devoted to marine science and also the Jardin Exotique.

Our guides will help you discover the most interesting places, give you recommendations on where to eat, which museum to visit and what to avoid.

We take pride in the fact that our clients leave the city tour satisfied and also richer with a wealth of interesting information and stories. Our guides are very friendly and will do their best to accommodate you, so don’t be afraid to ask them any question.

Ready to see for yourself? No problem. Join us on the incredible Trip-From-Nice-To-Monaco. Join us , and like many before you, be truly inspired!

About Monaco

Monaco has an area of 2.02 square kilometres with a population of 37,800. The most populous and famous district of this city-state is Monte Carlo. Monaco is popular among the wealthy people due to its tax laws, but it is also frequently visited by tourists. In 2014, millionaires made up 30% of the population, more than in Geneva or Zurich. The official language is French, but Monégasque and Italian also play a significant role. Monaco gained its independence from France in 1861. One of the country’s biggest social events is the annual Formula One race, the Monaco Grand Prix. It is also home to the AS Monaco football club, which plays in the French football league. Monaco is not a member of the European Union but also uses the Euro as its currency.

Monaco is a tiny city. Yet it is one of the most expensive areas to buy real-estate anywhere in the world. The best example must be the Prince’s Palace. It is still the official home of the country’s rulers, the Grimaldi family currently headed by Prince Albert II, the son of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.

Wealth and luxury are on full display in this exclusive city. It lies in the fabulous French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea. Monte-Carlo is renowned for its famous casino, lavishly decorated Opera house, old churches, and exotic Jardin Japonais de Monaco.

• Café de Paris and Hôtel de Paris.
• Salle Garnier Opéra of Monte Carlo.
• The Monte-Carlo Casino «Carré d’Or».
• F1 GP Circuit Monaco.
• Sainte-Dévote Church.
• La Condamine Market.
• The Prince’s Palace.
• The Hercule Port.
• The Cathedral of Monaco.
• Saint Martin Gardens.
• Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.

Included/Excluded

• 4 Hours Tour, (approximate duration).
• Guided tour in English.
• Train Tickets: Nice to Monaco open return (you can use your return ticket any at time after the tour).
• Explore 12 highlights and some hidden corners of Monaco.
• Small Group Tour with a maximum of 12 people per tour.
• Food & Drinks
• Museum admission
• Personal Expenses

Tour's Location

When can i take the monaco walking tour, what does the trip from nice to monaco ticket include, can i meet the tour in straight in monaco, instead of in nice train station, can i join the trip to monaco although i have not booked the tour online, where can i find the photo from the tour, where is the meeting place for the trip from nice to monaco, how do i recognize my guide, what time is the meeting for the trip to monaco, how long does the tour last, i am running late for the tour. what do i do, write a review, leave a reply cancel reply.

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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.

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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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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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Day Trip from Nice to Monaco: Things to do in Monaco for first time visitors

02/20/2024 By Traveling Canucks 2 Comments Categories: Europe France Home Monaco Nice Popular Travel Stories

How to spend a day in Monaco 

No trip to the French Riviera is complete without visiting the glamorous microstate of Monaco . In this blog post, we share our experience taking a day trip from Nice to Monaco . It’s an easy 30 minute train ride from Nice, so you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy this famous city-state. 

Before making the decision to visit Monaco, we read a few blog posts from people who had done day trips to Monaco from Nice. We weren’t sure if it made sense to stay overnight in Monaco or if a day trip would be sufficient. We chose to rent an apartment in Nice and use it as a home base to explore the region. 

After spending one day in Monaco, we can confirm that a day trip to Monaco is enough time to see the sites and get a feel for the city. It’s not very big, geographically, so you can see a lot in a short period of time. 

However, if you plan to visit for a specific reason, like attending the Monaco Yacht Show or Monaco Grand Prix , then you’ll have time to go beyond these top Monaco tourist attractions. 

Things to do in Monaco in one day

Although small in size, there are actually a lot of things to do in Monaco. Because of this, we recommend you get an early start your day trip from Nice early.

If you’re taking the train, which is the fastest and most convenient option, you will arrive at Monaco-Monte-Carlo station .

From here, you have options for how you want to explore the city. You can take a local bus (get a day pass if you choose this option), take a double-decker tourist bus tour (Hop On Hop Off Monaco), a walking tour , or simply start walking.

The Hop On Hop Off bus is a convenient way to see the top Monaco attractions. However, the buses fill up quickly during peak times, especially if a cruise ship is in port. 

We prefer to walk, so that’s what we did. 

Port hercules.

The main harbour in Monaco is Port Hercules . It has been in use since ancient times, dating back to the 6th century. It’s the centerpiece of Monaco, acting as an easy compass for first time visitors. 

You will find outstanding views from either side of the port. The above photo was taken on the way to the Monte Carlo Casino and Opera House. While the below photo was taken as we walked up the path to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

If you’re exploring Monaco on a budget, it’s free to admire (or loathe) the luxury yachts in Port Hercules .

Casino de Monte-Carlo

Monte Carlo Casino is arguably the most famous attraction in Monaco. The exterior architecture alone is worth a visit. As are the expansive gardens located in front of the famed building.

Monte Carlo Casino is famous for being the location of James Bond films Never Say Never Again and Golden Eye .

Tourists are allowed to enter the Monte-Carlo Casino to have a look at the atrium. However, there is a fee and dress code to enter the casino.

See the prices and conditions for the Monte Carlo Casino here . 

Above is the famous mirror in front of Monte Carlo Casino. It’s called the  Sky Mirror . 

Take a moment to walk around the Monte Carlo Casino and admire it’s architecture of the Monte Carlo Opera house (pictured above and below). 

“Designed by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opéra, the building is lavishly and ornately decorated in the opulent Belle Époque style and stands in formal gardens with a sweeping view over the tiny principality of Monaco”. [ source ]

The Champions Promenade

Located behind the Monte Carlo is The Champions Promenade . Similar to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, the Champions Promenade features the footprints of the greatest footballers (soccer players, for you North Americans) who have been awarded the Golden Foot and/or award legends.

If you like soccer / football, this is a fun place to visit and snap a photo of the feet of your favourite players. 

Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The Prince’s Palace  is located on Monaco’s famous Rocher , or the Rock of Monaco . It’s the current home of Prince Albert and his family.

It was built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress and has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers over the centuries.

Visit the official website here to learn about the palace’s history, ticket prices and hours of operation.

Changing of the Guard at Prince’s Palace Monaco

The royal entrance on Palace Square , picture above, is where you can watch the changing of ‘ The Prince’s Palace Guard ‘ ceremony in Monaco. This age old ceremony takes place daily at 11:55 am.

Arrive early to find a good view. It’s typically very crowded during the ceremony.

Gateway to Rock

Walk the paved path through 15th-century gateways and old fortress towers on the way to (or from) the Prince’s Palace. This is where you will find excellent panoramic views of Monaco and its famous harbour. 

You can walk up these steps to reach  Place du Palais  from Fontaine Avenue du Port Monaco .

Above and below is Palace Square, located directly across from the Prince’s Palace. It is a very touristy spot, but for good reason. The architecture is remarkable and the views from here are outstanding. 

Palace Square is a top tourist attraction in Monaco.

The red and white flags you see are to celebrate the birthday of the late Prince Rainier III , which is May 31, 1923. The famous square, and several buildings on the Rock of Monaco , are decorated for the year-long celebration of the former Prince of Monaco.

The above photo is where tourists can capture panoramic views from Palace Square. This photo was taken mid-day and when a cruise ship was in port. It’s a very crowded time of day. 

Port of Fontvieille viewpoint

While you’re visiting the Prince’s Palace, make sure to check out the incredible views from Port of Fontvieille . The viewpoint is literally steps away from the palace. 

This is the spot to capture the postcard photos of the colorful buildings and super-yachts in the harbour. 

If you look closely, on the top-right corner of the above photo, you will see  Louis II Stadium , home of the AS Monaco and the national football team. It’s hard to see, because it blends with the other architecture; here’s a better photo . 

There is a pathway along The Rock that connects the Prince’s Palace and Port of Fontvieille viewpoint with  Jardins Saint-Martin and  Musée Océanographique de Monaco (pictured below).

Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

Also located on The Rock is the  Oceanographic Museum of Monaco , which is a museum of marine sciences and aquarium.

The above photo is the backside of the museum. It towers over the sea below. You can capture this view from Jardins Saint-Martin , which is a series of gardens and paths on the south west face of the Rock of Monaco.

Above and below is the front entrance to Monaco Oceanographic Museum. This is one of the most famous places in Monaco.

The Yellow Submarine in front of the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.

Saint Nicholas Cathedral (Monaco Cathedral)

We actually stumbled upon this impressive Romanesque Catholic cathedral while walking back from the Oceanographic Museum. I vividly remember my jaw drop as we turned the corner and first witnessed this beauty. It’s unlike any other cathedral I’ve seen before. 

The cathedral was built from 1875 to 1903. Many of the Monaco royals are buried here, including Grace Kelly (Princess of Monaco) and Prince Rainier III.

Definitely add  Cathédrale de Monaco  to your Monaco day trip itinerary. It’s very impressive. And, it’s free to enter, so it fits the budget. 

Monaco Courthouse

Another historical landmark on The Rock of Monaco is the Monaco Courthouse (Tribunal de Monaco à Monaco ville). It’s located directly beside  Saint Nicholas Cathedral .

Eat, Shop and Explore the Old Town

The Old Town is located within steps of Palace Square, Monaco Cathedral and Saint Martin Gardens. It’s a popular tourist trap, so expect to pay more here.

This is a nice area to explore. However, it does not compare to Old Town of Nice, which is much bigger. Given that this post is about taking a day trip from Nice to Monaco, we’re making the assumption that you’ve already experienced Nice’s famous Old Town. If this is the case, you don’t need to spend too much time here.

Grab a coffee or ice cream, purchase a few unique souvenirs, admire the old architecture, and then move on to the next attraction. 

A row of colorful buildings in Old Town Monaco overlooking Monaco-Ville. 

Notice the Palace and fortress to the left in the above photo. This angle provides a different perspective of the views from the palace. 

Monaco Yacht Show at Port Hercules

The white tents along the  Esplanade Du Port Hercule is for the annual Monaco Yacht Show . This world-renowned event is all about luxury, which is fitting for the glitz and glamour of Monaco. 

We visited a few days before the show, so the waterfront area was mostly closed in preparation for the event.

Monaco Grand Prix

The Monaco Grand Prix is an annual Formula One racing event held on the Circuit de Monaco . It’s arguably the most famous grand prix event. 

The Circuit de Monaco consists of the city streets of Monte Carlo and La Condamine, which includes the famous Port Hercules. 

The above photo is the  Antony Noghes   corner.  It’s located beside the waterfront strip. You can see the red and white strips of the race track. 

If you’re a fan of Formula 1, you might want to check out the famous Fairmont Hairpin Curve , located near the Monte Carlo Casino. Or, join a walking tour where you’ll walk the entire track with a tour guide. 

La Collection Automobiles de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco

The Prince of Monaco’s Car Collection is an automobile museum in the La Condamine district. The cars were the personal collection of Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and assembled over a thirty-year period.

Learn more about how to visit this museum here . 

Above is the front of The Car Collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco. The road you see is part of the race track for the Monaco Grand Prix.

I’m not a big F1 fan, but it’s still pretty cool to walk on this street, knowing that it transforms into the race track. 

The iconic Rainier III Nautical Stadium , a sports complex on the Route de la Piscine in Port Hercules.

Can you visit Monaco on a budget?

The best way to see Monaco on a budget is to avoid staying overnight in Monaco. Instead, stay in nearby cities, such as Nice, Eze or Ventimiglia in Italy.

There are several things to do for free in Monaco. Many of the attractions mentioned above are free, including the Monaco Cathedral, Palace Square, Jardins Saint-Martin, Port de Fontvieille viewpoint and Port Hercules.

Other free attractions in Monaco include the Princess Grace Japanese Garden , Monte Carlo Casino (atrium), Larvotto Beach (the only public beach in Monaco), Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo, and more.

Dining at restaurants can easily break the budget. Instead, visit a grocery store (there’s a Casino Supermarket on the waterfront of Monaco Hercules harbour) and grab snacks, sandwiches and drinks to go.

If you want to enjoy time on a patio, consider a cafe and get coffee and gelato instead of an expensive meal. 

Can you walk around Monaco in a day?

Yes! Absolutely. In fact, I would say this is the number on thing to do in Monaco. Put on your walking shoes and let your curiosity guide you.

We did about 22,000 steps before our boys started complaining that their feet hurt. We started at the train station and walked up to the Monte Carlo Casino. Then we walked back down to Port Hercules waterfront and up to the Rock of Monaco. 

We spent about 6 hours walking around Monaco. However, if you plan to visit a few museums, this may limit the amount of time you have to wander around the Old Town and city center. 

Unusual Things to do in Monaco

Looking for unusual or unique things to do in Monaco? Consider these:

• Princess Grace Japanese Garden (Free)
• Get behind the wheel of a luxury or vintage car
• View the Formula 1 Fairmont Hairpin Curve
• Go for a swim off the tiered steps of Solarium Beach
• See the extensive car collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco
• Attend the luxurious Monaco Yacht Show (late September)
• Find the feet for your favourite soccer player at The Champions Promenade
• Catch an AS Monaco soccer/football match at Stade Louis II
• Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Prince’s Palace
• Fly over the French Riviera in a private helicopter tour
• Window shop or max the credit card at the swanky Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo
• Rent a private boat and explore the French Riviera

The Monte-Carlo Opera house entrance. It’s part of the Monte Carlo Casino.

I love the architecture in Monaco. Above is a photo of the exterior of Centre Cardio-Thoracique De Monaco.

When you look at the opulent details of this historical building, would you guess that it’s is a small hospital? It looks more like a palace!

Fun facts about Monaco

• Gambling is illegal for Monaco residents. Only tourists and foreign residents are allowed to gamble. 
• Monaco is smaller than Central Park in New York City. It’s one of the densest countries in the world
• Monaco is home to 12,261 millionaires in less than one square mile. Almost one in three people who live in Monaco is a millionaire. Not surprising, Monaco has a poverty rate of zero.
• Monaco has one police officer for every 100 residents.
• Monaco has the highest average life expectancy in the world at 85.8 years.

What Is Monaco Most Famous For?

Monaco is famous being the playground of the rich and famous, even though it’s the 2nd-smallest country in the world. 

It’s famous for the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on the Circuit de Monaco, the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino (location of James Bond films), the exclusive Monaco Yacht Show, and its luxurious real estate and superyachts for the wealthy.

How to Get from Nice to Monaco

There are a few different ways to travel from Nice to Monaco, including bus, train, ferry and car. 

Train from Nice to Monaco

The most popular option is the train. Nice to Monaco trains depart as early as 5:40 am and the Nice to Monaco distance is only 21.5KM.

You can buy your Nice to Monaco train tickets online or at central Nice-Ville train station . The Nice to Monaco train cost starts at 4.20 Euros. 

There is another train station in Nice, named Nice-Riquier , which slightly further out of the city. During peak travel times, the train might be full by the time it departs from Nice-Ville station. If you plan to board at Nice-Riquier, expect to stand, as seats will likely be full.

The train will arrive at Monaco Monte-Carlo train station , picture above. This is the same station where you will catch the return train from Monaco to Nice.

Ferry from Nice to Monaco

From mid-May through September there are departures three times a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

How long is the ferry ride from Nice to Monaco?

It’s a 45 minute ride. The ferry departs at 9:30 AM in Nice and arrives in Monaco at 10:15 AM. It departs from Monaco back to Nice at 5:00 PM. You can purchase tickets ahead of time here .

Can you take a taxi from Nice to Monaco?

A taxi from Nice to Monaco costs approx. 60 to 80 Euros one way. You can also take an Uber from Nice to Monaco, which might be slightly cheaper.

However, it’s important to note that Uber is banned in Monaco. Drivers are only allowed to drop-off passengers in Monaco. Uber is not available to pick up passengers in Monaco.

Monaco-Monte-Carlo station is a short walk to Beausoleil, France, where you can catch an Uber. 

Another option is to hire a private transport from Nice to Monaco. The cost varies depending on the vehicle. Search for options here .

Is a Day Trip from Nice to Monaco Worth It?

It’s an interesting place and we would recommend adding a day in Monaco to any trip to the French Riviera. You don’t need to stay overnight. One day is enough time to see the main attractions and get a feel for this unique city-state. 

More travel blog posts from Europe:

• Is Disneyland Paris worth it? Photos and thoughts from our visit
• You can’t go to Ireland and not see these top 10 Ireland attractions
• 30 Photos of Porto Portugal that we can’t stop looking at
• Things to do in Stockholm, Sweden in the summer (with Kids)
• 12 days in Norway: A Perfect Norway Road Trip Itinerary  
• Thinking about a European River Cruise? Here’s what you need to know

Are you planning a day trip from Nice to Monaco? 

If you have questions, leave a comment below. We’ll do our best to answer.

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

Nice to Monaco: The Complete Detailed Transport Guide

Monaco is located only 13 miles away from Nice, and is the most popular destination people tend to travel to from Nice.

Nice has a wide and easily accessible public transport system.

It is the most favorable way to travel between the neighboring cities. When traveling to Monaco, you can choose between train, car, taxi, plane, or helicopter. 

With so many options, there are aspects you should factor in when making the decision. This guide will help you through it, taking a deeper look at the transport options when going from Nice to Monaco.

Where is Monaco?

Even though Monaco is a quick 40-minute drive from the town of Nice, it is not considered a part of Italy or France but a sovereign state.

Monaco is known as the second smallest sovereign state in the world and has their version of the royal family that rules over the state.

Another fun fact about Monaco is that, although it has no association with France as a state, its national language is French due to its location being so close to Nice and the exposure it receives.

Travel Distances to Monaco

Another plus point of setting Monaco as your destination is that you are not limited to that state, and there are many towns you can visit, including but not limited to:

• Saint-Roman, Monaco – 0.15 miles
• Beausoleil, France – 0.19 miles
• La Turbie, France – 1.8 miles
• Sainte-Agnès, France – 3.78 miles

Nice to Monaco: Transport Options

One of the greatest advantages of Nice being in such proximity to Monaco is that you have a vast selection of different transport options you can choose from.

Although personal preference plays a significant role in deciding, several factors can help you better understand each option to make a well-informed decision.

Let us take a closer look at each mode of transport, breaking each of them down according to their benefits and pricing.

1. Nice to Monaco by Train

Many people prefer to travel to Monaco by train because of the benefits this mode of travel offers to the user in terms of affordability and convenience. Going by train is known as the fastest mode of travel between Monaco and Nice.

Going to Monaco by train takes an average of 25 minutes, and getting a ticket is also pretty straightforward, with all you need to do is buy a ticket from the counter, and you are set to travel.

The earliest you can get on a train to Monaco is around 5.30 AM on the TER train from Niceville, considered the main station of Nice, to the Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, the only station throughout the state of Monaco.

Trains begin operating from Nice to Monaco till 11 PM, with the last train leaving for Monaco at 11.30 PM.

If you feel like Nice-Ville is a bit far away from where you are staying, there are other stations situated throughout Nice, including:

• Nice-Riquier
• Nice Saint-Augustin

Going by train is an incredibly cost-effective way to travel to and from Monaco, with sites like Trainline offering tickets at costs ranging from $4.38 to $6.03, depending on the station you go from.

However, many websites and ticketing stations are unreliable and may offer comparatively higher pricing. This is why you should visit Trainline, offering you the best rates and a quick process to secure tickets as soon as possible.

2. Nice to Monaco by Car

Going by train may be an affordable and straightforward way to travel to Monaco, but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Since there is only one station in Monaco, it is usually packed so you may be in a congested environment.

If you want a comfortable way to travel to Monaco with privacy, then going by car is your best bet.

Other than convenience, another plus point of going by car is that there are many detours you can make along the way, expanding your journey and taking in the sights and attractions along the way.

Duration and Routes

You can choose from several different routes when going by car. The average journey from Nice to Monaco by car takes around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your route.

If you are in a rush and wish to take the quickest route to Monaco, the best route is through the A8 motorway, making your way to the A500.

However, it is strongly recommended that you take your time because other routes, such as the M6007 or the D6007 road, go along the coast and are home to some great sights as you travel along the coastline.

Best Place To Rent Vehicles

Even though the rental process for acquiring the appropriate vehicle to take you to Monaco is pretty straightforward, a helpful tip is to go for reliable car rental sites like Discover Cars to get the best pricing and a car suited to your needs.

One of the greatest plus points of renting a vehicle to travel From Nice to Monaco is that you have the car to yourself and explore the detours along the motorway at your discretion. You are not bound to any schedule and can set the pace for traveling for yourself.

Not only that, but renting a vehicle is great if you are on a family vacation, since it provides you with privacy so that you can spend quality time with your loved ones.

There are many opportunities of exploration spread throughout the motorway, which is why traveling on your own by renting a car is perfect for checking them out for yourself.

Even though it might not be as affordable as going by train or bus, it is much more convenient and the best option if you value privacy during traveling. 

Tips for Driving In Nice

When on your way to Monaco, there are several driving tips that you should take into consideration, such as keeping in mind that you will be driving on the right side of the road.

The local drivers situated within Nice who travel to Monaco regularly usually do not follow road conventions and have a reputation for disobeying traffic signs and ignoring using turn signals.

This is why another great tip is to be extremely careful when driving, especially on turns,  because the motorway is incredibly unpredictable.

3. Nice to Monaco by Bus

Going by bus is the best method to travel to Monaco if you are on a budget and do not mind cramped spaces. Depending on the time, bus stations can be very busy, but they are by far the best mode of transportation if you are looking for affordability.

Scheduling and Tips

A great tip to save time and avoid waiting in long queues is to book a ticket on credible sites like Omio to get the best rates on bus tickets from Nice to Monaco.

As far as finding locations for where the bus departs, an accessible bus to embark on is the Lignes d’Azur, which leaves from Nice’s Le Port, taking you across an incredibly scenic 45-minute journey to Monaco.

Nice to Monaco by Taxi

This option for going to Monaco is more so for individuals looking to go directly to Monaco from the Nice airport.

However, taxi services located at the airport tend to overcharge tourists, which is why booking a taxi on Kiwi Taxi is the best option for making hassle-free taxi reservations at reasonable rates.

4. Nice to Monaco by Helicopter

This one is for all the flamboyant travelers out there. If you want to travel to Monaco with style, then taking a helicopter is as luxurious as you can get. Many helicopter carriers like Heli Securite offer helicopter transfer services, allowing you to reach Monaco in style.

However, if you want to spend more time in the air, you can also opt for a private helicopter rental.

Even though this is a bit more time-consuming and pricey than a transfer, private rentals fly around and allow you to take in the sights of the French Riviera from a bird’s eye view.

5. Nice to Monaco by Airport Transfer

Other than going by taxi, you can take advantage of different Rental services out there.

From SUVs to luxury sedans, airport transfer services allow you to choose from different vehicles available within their fleet according to your luggage and other needs.

Final Words

Nice and Monaco are pretty close together, which has led to various ways you can reach Monaco from Nice.

However, it is important to weigh the benefits and pricing of each transport method to determine which is most suited according to your needs and travel budget. 

Reading and following through this article will provide insights on what to look out for when driving on the road, along with pricing for each mode of transport you wish to travel from Nice to Monaco.

You Might Also Like:

Calais to Monaco: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Riveting Journey

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Cannes to monaco: your detailed transport guide, nice to monaco train: your detailed transport guide, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Day Trip from Nice to Monaco: Perfect One-Day Monaco Itinerary

Are you visiting the French Riviera and wondering if you should do a day trip from Nice to Monaco?

The answer is YES !

As a playground for the rich and famous, Monaco is one of the most luxurious countries in the world and is bound to make anyone who visits feel like a star, even just for a couple of hours. Luckily, Monaco is extremely close to Nice and makes for a perfect day trip!

In this guide, I cover everything you need to know about doing a day trip from Nice to Monaco . This includes the best ways to get from Nice to Monaco, what to do when you arrive in Monaco, and more!

So keep reading if you are looking to experience the glamour of Monaco during your trip to Nice!

The Perfect Monaco Day Trip From Nice: A Detailed Guide on How to Get There, Things to Do, and More

When planning a visit to the French Riviera, Nice often steals the spotlight with its beaches and charming old town. But just a short journey away lies a world of glamour waiting to be explored – Monaco.

Monaco stands tall as its own sovereign state, renowned for its wealth, luxury, and Mediterranean views. Luckily, Nice and Monaco are extremely close to one another, so you can visit both in one vacation!

A day trip from Nice to Monaco offers a glimpse into this miniature kingdom, where every corner exudes elegance and style. Below, I’ll give a quick overview of both cities before I jump into the details of how to have the perfect day trip!

Nice, France Overview

Imagine walking through a city where the sun is almost always shining, the sea is a beautiful shade of blue, and the air is filled with the scent of fresh flowers. That’s Nice for you!

It’s most famous for its stunning beaches, where you can relax under the warm sun or take a dip in the Mediterranean. But Nice isn’t just about the beach; and there’s a lot more than meets the eye!

You can explore the Old Town, known as Vieux Nice , and discover treasures like cafes and bustling squares. And don’t forget to visit the Promenade des Anglai s, a waterfront boulevard perfect for an evening walk or a bike ride. Nice is all about enjoying the good life, French Riviera style!

Monaco Overview

Now, picture a tiny country that packs a big punch of glamour and excitement – that’s Monaco !

Despite its small size, Monaco is known for its glitzy casinos, luxurious yachts, and extravagant events like the Formula One Grand Prix. You can also explore the historic Rock of Monaco, where the royal palace sits, or wander through the gardens filled with colorful blooms.

And don’t forget to visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino , where you can try your luck at the tables or soak in the glamorous atmosphere. In Monaco, every corner is filled with elegance and excitement!

With its close proximity to Nice, this miniature country proves to be the perfect addition to any Nice itinerary , inviting travelers to experience the epitome of luxury on the French Riviera.

A day trip from Nice to Monaco is the perfect introduction to the flashy city and an ideal way to explore more of the southern coastline of France. So let’s get into the details!

When is the Best Time to Visit Monaco?

Generally, the prime time to visit this glamorous principality is during the spring and fall seasons. April to May is like Monaco’s own grand opening party. The weather is just right, and flowers bloom everywhere, making Monaco feel like a giant botanical garden.

Plus, the end of springtime brings one of Monaco’s biggest events – the Monaco Grand Prix ! The streets transform into a racetrack, and you can feel the excitement in the air as cars zoom past. This event is typically held at the end of May.

Fall, from September to October , is another great time to visit. The summer heat starts to cool down, making it more comfortable to explore. There are also fewer crowds this time of year, giving you more space to enjoy the city without feeling crowded. 

While summer (June through August) may seem tempting, with its warm weather and vacation vibes, it’s also when Monaco is at its busiest and most expensive . Hotels fill up quickly, and the streets can feel overcrowded, so plan accordingly!

How to Get From Nice to Monaco

There are various transportation options when taking a day trip from Nice to Monaco. Whether you want the freedom of a car, views from a train, the affordability of a bus, or the adventure of a ferry, the options are abundant when it comes to getting from Nice to Monaco. 

Below is an overview of each option to help you see which better suits your trip style and personal preference!

Nice to Monaco by Bus (Cheapest Option)

Taking a bus from Nice to Monaco is a convenient and budget-friendly option for travelers. The journey takes around 30 to 50 minutes , depending on traffic conditions. Tickets typically cost $3.

Buses depart from various locations in Nice. The most popular bus route is operated by Lignes d’Azur . You can take Route #607 from the Nice Port to multiple spots in Monaco !

This bus service offers frequent departures throughout the day, providing flexibility for travelers. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or at designated station ticket counters. 

Nice to Monaco by Train (Preferred Option)

Traveling from Nice to Monaco by train is the fastest and most efficient option, while also offering great views of the French Riviera coastline along the way. Going by train typically takes around 15 to 25 minutes , with frequent departures (usually every 30 minutes) from the Nice-Ville train station.

The regional TER trains operated by SNCF serve this route, providing reliable transportation. Travelers can purchase tickets from the train station ticket counters or through automated ticket machines. Tickets typically cost between $5 and $10.

It’s advisable to check the train schedule in advance, as there may be variations in departure times throughout the day. Be sure to check online ahead of time in case of train and transportation strikes that often happen in France, which can delay or alter your trip. 

In addition, expect crowds on the trains back to Nice in the late afternoon. Many people live in Nice and work in Monaco, so 5pm can be “rush hour” on the train!

Nice to Monaco by Car

If you are seeking flexibility and independence, driving from Nice to Monaco is a great option. Driving will likely take around 30 to 40 minute s, depending on traffic and the stops you make along the way (there are a lot of cute coastal villages and towns along the route).

From Nice, you can follow the A8 motorway towards Monaco. Or, you can take the Moyenne Corniche or the Inférieure Corniche (Corniche means “cliff road”). Both routes offer beautiful seaside views, so be sure to have your camera ready and take some extra time to stop and admire the view!

It’s important to note that traffic congestion can occur, especially during peak hours or special events such as the Monaco Grand Prix. Additionally, parking in Monaco can be limited and expensive , so it’s advisable to research parking options in advance.

Nice to Monaco by Boat/Ferry

If you want to experience a super picturesque journey to Monaco, try cruising along the French Riviera by ferry ! Tic k ets start at $53 for a roundtrip ticket – perfect for a day trip from Nice.

The ferry will depart from Nice Port at 9:30 a.m and takes around 45 minutes to get to Monaco. On the way, you will see all the coastal towns between Nice and Monaco.

After having the entire day to explore, the ferry will then depart from Monaco at 17:00 ; be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your departure time!

While this is a great option, the ferry only runs during the summer months on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Nice to Monaco by Organized Tour

Last but not least, you can also go on an organized tour for your day trip from Nice to Monaco! This is great for those who don’t want to do any planning and be guided by a local.

However, you will have less flexibility with this option, as you have to stick to the schedule of the tour. This means you may have less time to explore than if you ventured out on own!

How to Get Around Monaco

Getting around Monaco is a breeze! With its compact size, you can explore most places on foot . Monaco’s well-maintained sidewalks make walking a pleasure, allowing you to soak in the charm and views of the Mediterranean Sea comfortably and at your own pace. 

If walking isn’t your cup of tea or you’re feeling adventurous, hop on one of the efficient and frequent bus services that crisscross the principality, offering easy access to all major attractions. The bus system is simple to navigate, with clear route maps and schedules available at bus stops.

How to Spend One Day in Monaco: Perfect Monaco Itinerary

While Monaco may be small in size, it’s filled with many things to see and do, which is another reason why it’s the ideal place for a day trip from Nice.

To ensure that you make the most of the short amount of time you have in the city, it’s essential to do some research and be aware of what you want to see, where they are in the city, and other tips that may be needed.

Here are some recommendations for a perfect day in Monaco!

Departure from Nice: To begin your day trip to Monaco from Nice, wake up early to catch a morning train. On your way, you can enjoy scenic views of the French Riviera coastline. The first train to Monaco leaves at 05:20 am.  

Monaco-Ville (Old Town): Upon arriving in Monaco, head straight to Monaco-Ville, the old town. You can get here by walking or taking a cab! Explore its alleys and visit the Prince’s Palace , where you can witness the changing of the guards and enjoy views of the Mediterranean. If you’re interested, you can also go on a tour inside the Palace and learn more about the Grimaldi family!

Oceanographic Museum: After exploring Old Town, visit the Oceanographic Museum. Dive into the world of marine life and enjoy watching all of the colorful coral reefs and exotic sea creatures. Right outside the museum is the beautiful Jardins Saint-Martin . This is great garden to walk around and enjoy the weather.

Lunch: After all that exploring, you have surely worked up an appetite by now. Take a break to have lunch at one of Monaco’s chic cafes or restaurants, like La Taver n etta.

Explore Port Hercules: After lunch, wander along Port Hercules on your way to the casino, which is lined with luxurious yachts and bustling with activity. Take in the atmosphere and snap some photos of the breathtaking views and luxurious lifestyles all around you. 

Monte Carlo Casino: It’s time to hit the famous Monte Carlo Casino ! Try your luck at the tables and gamble alongside the wealthy. Keep in mind that visiting the Monte Carlo casino is going to be expensive, so it’s essential to watch your budget. You must be at least 18 years of age , have a photo ID present, and must be aware of the dress code . (Bermuda shorts and T-shirts are tolerated during the day but not in the evenings, as it is more upscale and classy).

Tip for Photographers : The Monte Carlo Casino has a strict No Photos policy, and you must obtain permission to shoot before taking photos within the facility. 

Return to Nice: As the day comes to an end, it’s time to catch the train back to Nice. The last train out of the city leaves at 23:20 . If you plan on taking the last train out, it’s better to buy your tickets in advance to make sure the train doesn’t fill up and leave you stuck in the city overnight (or taking an expensive taxi ride!).

If you aren’t too keen on some of these activities or are looking to skip the casino to save some money, here is a list of alternative sights and attractions to see on a day trip from Nice to Monaco: 

Jardin Exotique de Monaco (Exotic Garden of Monaco): The Exotic Garden is a diverse collection of succulent plants accompanied by panoramic views of Monaco.

Monaco Grand Prix Circuit: The famous Formula 1 race is held on the streets of this city every year. Walk or drive along the famous race track and imagine the excitement of the annual Monaco Grand Prix.

Larvotto Beach: If you want to relax in luxury, head to the sandy shores of Larvotto Beach and soak up the Mediterranean sun in style.

Monaco Cathedral: Lastly, for the history and cultural buffs, tour and admire the beautiful architecture of Monaco Cathedral and pay homage to the final resting place of Princess Grace.

FAQ About a Day Trip From Nice to Monaco

Can you walk from nice to monaco.

Yes, you technically can walk from Nice to Monaco, but it’s not ideal for everyone. The distance is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) , which can take around 6-8 hours. It’s a long walk, so it’s important to be prepared with comfortable shoes, water, and snacks. 

How far is Nice from Monte Carlo?

The distance from Nice to Monte Carlo (Monaco) is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) .

How long does it take to get from Nice to Monaco?

Depending on the mode of transportation and the specific route, it takes about 25 minutes to 1 hour to get from Nice to Monaco by train or bus.

Can you do a day trip from Nice to Monaco?

Yes, you can do a day trip from Nice to Monaco. It’s only a short distance away, taking about 30 minutes to 1 hou r by train or bus. You can explore attractions, such as the Prince’s Palace and the Monte Carlo Casino, plus enjoy the scenery along the way.

How long is the ferry ride from Nice to Monaco?

The ferry service from Nice to Monaco lasts about 45 minutes on average. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure. 

How much does a train ticket from Nice to Monaco cost?

On average, a train ticket from Nice to Monaco typically costs around €4 to €7 for a one-way trip. Prices may vary based on factors such as the type of train and the time of day.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, a day trip from Nice to Monaco promises an unforgettable journey into a world of indulgence and sophistication.

Whether you’re watching the super yachts in the harbor, trying your luck at the roulette tables, or soaking in the Mediterranean sunshine, Monaco offers a glimpse into a lifestyle that is as alluring as it is exclusive!

I hope this guide has inspired you to make time during your trip to Nice to do a day trip to Monaco as well!

Besides Monaco, there are many other day trips from Nice, including Cannes, Eze Village, Antibes, or Grasse.

If you are planning to visit other areas of France, make sure to check out my Paris blog posts, like How to Spend 3 Days in Paris and 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Paris !

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!

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• Pros & Cons
• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
• Backpackers
• Public Transit
• Walkability
• More time in Nice or Monaco?
• Which is Cheaper, Nice or Monaco? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Nice or Monaco?

Should you visit nice or monaco, which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Monaco can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Monaco is a posh, glitzy, and glamorous coastal resort area. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nice and Monaco: Pros and Cons

• Active nightlife
• Good scuba and snorkeling destination
• Popular beach
• Scenic old town
• Family-friendly
• Good for couples and romance
• Good for backpackers and budget travelers
• Impressive beauty
• Quaint atmosphere
• Big city activities
• Less family-friendly
• Less popular with backpackers

Is there more to do in Nice or Monaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Nice, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Nice is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Monaco is well known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo.

How is Nice different from Monaco?

Which is better for a holiday.

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monaco and Nice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Nice or Monaco? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Monaco has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Both Nice and Monaco are amazing when it comes to partying.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Monaco has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Nice and Monaco have amazing options.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Vacationers flock to Monaco for its luxury resorts. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Nice and Monaco offer notable scuba diving or snorkeling.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Monaco. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Nice is well known for the beache. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Monaco has a beach worth visiting. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Nice is well known for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nice . Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Monaco?

Monaco is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Monaco make it a world-class shopping destination. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for Families?

Nice is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nice . The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for Couples?

Both Nice and Monaco are amazing destinations for a couple's getaway.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Monaco is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.

Is Nice or Monaco Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nice is well known for its public transit. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

While Monaco offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system.

Is Nice or Monaco a more walkable city?

Nice and Monaco both are amazing when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Monaco. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

For even more information, also check out Is Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Monaco Worth Visiting? .

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Nice?

How long in nice or monaco.

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nice and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than in Monaco . Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

Families should spend more time in Nice than Monaco. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Nice, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Monaco. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice than Monaco if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Nice.

• How many days in Nice or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay Nice 3-5   Monaco   1-3

One day in Nice or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Monaco is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Monaco?

Nice is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Monaco is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the posh big city of Monaco. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the chic destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The thrilling coastal resort area of Monaco offers nightlife and food. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France , and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France .

Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Nice?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Nice Prices France Prices Monaco Prices Monaco Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Nice € 131 Monaco € 189

The average daily cost (per person) in Nice is €131, while the average daily cost in Monaco is €189. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nice and Monaco in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Nice € 59 Monaco € 119
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Nice € 118 Monaco € 238

Compare Hotels in Nice and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Nice or Monaco? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nice

Hotels in Monaco

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Nice € 25 Monaco € 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

• Airport Transfer: Nice City to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $83
• Arrival Transfer from Côte d'Azur Airport NCE to Nice City in Private Car: $44
• Arrival Transfer: Nice Airport NCE to Cannes in Luxury Van: $117
• Cannes Private Transfer from Nice Airport to central Cannes: $298
• Cruise Port Hercule to Monaco hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $92
• Day Trip / transfer to and from aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur: $93
• Departure Transfer from Nice City to Côte d'Azur Airport NCE in Private Car: $44
• Departure Transfer: Monaco to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $105
• Departure Transfer: Monaco to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $124
• Departure Transfer: Villefranche Port to Nice Airport: $53
• Ferry Transfer to Sainte Marguerite Island from Nice: $57
• From Nice Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Monaco: $152

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

• Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Nice or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Nice change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Nice € 49 Monaco € 53

Typical Food Prices in Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:

• Slushee € 2.50
• Strawberries € 4.00
• Loaf of Bread € 3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nice.

• Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $98
• The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $104
• Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $105
• Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $105
• Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $108
• 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $108
• Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $112
• Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $149
• Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $194

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Nice € 12 Monaco € 23

Tours and Activities in Nice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nice are as follows:

• Vieux Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.16
• Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.16
• First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.25
• Nice city tour: audio guide app in your smartphone: $5.31
• City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.49
• Ticket to Musée National du Sport: $6.50
• Monaco Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.60
• Nice's Old Town Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
• Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $7.04
• City Exploration Game and Tour: $7.04
• Self Guided Private City Audio Walking Tour in Nice: $7.72
• The Best of Nice’s Old Town: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99

Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

• Grand Prix for Two € 101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.42
• Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.50
• Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
• Self-Guided Walking Tour of Monte Carlo & Audioguide: $14
• City Neighborhoods Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
• Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket: $21
• 3-Hour Walking Tour with a local licensed guide: $54
• Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour: $54
• Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $70
• From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $70
• Eze and Full Day Shared Tour: $103
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Nice € 17 Monaco € 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

Also in Nice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Nice Bar Crawl | Ultimate night experience: $8.67
• Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
• Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
• Pub Crawl/Bar Crawl NICE - The Ultimate Night: $29
• Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting: $33
• Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting within Nice city borders: $36
• Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
• New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $53
• New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $54
• Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $66
• Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $75
• Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $83

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

Also in Monaco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

• Nice: Wine Tasting Class in City Center: $74

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nice and Monaco, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Monaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monaco than you might in Nice.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nice Expensive? and Is Monaco Expensive? .

Nice has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Nice and Monaco, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

Related Articles for Nice

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