Day Trip To Monaco From Nice – Planning The Best Itinerary
Last Updated on 03/06/2026 by Mayi
Monaco is a destination synonymous with luxury, often associated with wealthy people and celebrities. Although this little principality on the French Riviera is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, private beaches, and 5-star resorts, it can be a destination within the reach of all travellers, whether on a budget or not.
The small country has plenty of things to do that won’t break the bank, including discovering its beauty, history and charm. Here’s our guide to spending a perfect day trip to Monaco.
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A day trip to Monaco from Nice
Nice is the largest city and the hub of the French Riviera, so chances are it will be the base for your trip to the South! We stayed near the airport during our trip to make transportation easier, as we only used public transportation (buses and trains). However, if you are staying in other locations, such as Antibes, Cagnes sur Mer, or even St Tropez, you will still be able to make it to Monaco within one day, thanks to the great transport networks.
Getting to Monaco from Nice: A quick and scenic journey
Monaco is a short distance from Nice, which makes it ideal for a day trip. Here are the possible options to make it there:
- By Train: the train from Nice to Monaco is both affordable and practical, plus it is scenic, taking you along the stunning coastline of the French Riviera. Depending on which station you board in Nice, the journey will take you about 20 to 25 minutes. Ticket prices range from €5 to €10 depending on the time of the day.
- By Bus: Nice to Monaco can also be made by bus, although the journey takes a little longer, it is also scenic as you get to enjoy the picturesque views along the way. Take the number 600 bus from the Nice Port Lympia/Arson bus stop to Monaco, Place des Moulins bus stop. The journey will last an hour and costs around €1.50-€2.
- By Car: Travelling by car is perhaps the best choice for those who want flexibility and time savings. A trip from Nice to Monaco takes only 30 minutes, but fuel and parking fees might cost a little more.
- Guided tours: If you prefer organised trips or travelling solo but are not in the mood to visit Monaco on your own, consider joining a guided tour. Plenty of tours tailored to small groups explore the French Riviera, all starting from Nice.
What are some things to do during your day trip to Monaco?
Morning: Discover Monte Carlo
Visit Place du Casino
As one of Monaco’s most famous landmarks, Place du Casino is a good place to start your day trip. The iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo opened in 1865, and the Café de Paris Casino, the Hôtel de Paris, and the Monte-Carlo Opera are also located here. Place du Casino is a beautiful square that extends into the Casino Garden. The garden is one of the many in the principality and offers striking views of the Mediterranean Sea and various sculptures.
Even if gambling isn’t for you, walking around the square, admiring the beautiful architecture and grandeur of the casino and taking a memorable selfie is free. You can even enter the building and wander the display area at the entrance! However, the casino itself requires an entrance fee of €17.
Explore Monte-Carlo district
After exploring the Place du Casino, continue exploring Monte Carlo. As you wander, you will come across the Saint-Charles Church, which opened its doors in 1883. The Renaissance-style church has interesting stained glass windows that are worth seeing. Another interesting building to see is the National Museum of Monaco. Built in a Belle Epoque style, the contemporary museum showcases various exhibitions throughout the year, including a permanent collection.
Relax at the Japanese Garden
As you walk down Princess Grace Avenue towards the waterfront, you will think you have stepped into Tokyo for a second. The Japanese Garden—Princess Grace—has been designed with zen in mind, blending Japanese design with Mediterranean plants. Created by landscape architect Yasuo Beppu at the request of Prince Rainier III, the garden is a haven of peace surrounded by modern buildings.
While wandering the garden, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my trips to Japan. It had all the features of a traditional Japanese garden, including a tea house, a small pond with a red bridge, and bamboo hedges. The only thing that differed from gardens in Japan was that they weren’t as well kept. Still, it’s worth spending some time relaxing and contemplating Monaco’s beauty.
This isn’t the only garden available in Monaco. In fact, 20% of its territory is occupied by parks, flowers and plants. There are many such as the Exotic Garden (as the name suggests, with plenty of rare plants), the Princess Rose Garden (an English garden designed by Prince Rainier as a tribute to his wife), the Saint-Martin Gardens, which overlooks the sea and the Petite Afrique Gardens near the Casino Square.
Walk the Monte Carlo Waterfront
No matter the season, a stop on this one-day trip to Monaco’s itinerary has to be the beach. Although Monaco has many private beaches, some public ones exist, such as the Larvotto seaside complex. Take a walk in its shaded promenade, visit the shops and boutiques alongside it, and, of course, stop by one of the restaurants. Alternatively, you can take a walk on the sandy beach or simply sit, relax and enjoy the experience.
Afternoon: Monaco
Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
The afternoon is spent in Monaco’s old town. It is known as “Le Rocher” due to its rocky cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. You can make your way to the Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the Monegasque monarchy. You can either explore the exterior for free and admire the surroundings or get a ticket to access the State Apartments. There are guided tours to the museum part of the residence, which are so grand that you will feel like visiting the Château de Versailles or Château de Fontainebleau. Actually, the Hall of Mirrors was inspired by those of Versailles. Check the official website for tour dates.
Although we did not get to visit the inside, we were able to stroll around the palace grounds, take in the panoramic views of Monaco’s harbour and watch the changing of the guards. The official Changing of the Guard ceremony usually happens around 11:55, so we missed that. The ceremony is performed by Carabiniers dressed in white or black uniforms, depending on the season.
Wander Monaco Old Town (Monaco-Ville)
After exploring the palace grounds, walk around the Old Town (Monaco-Ville), which is complete with cobbled streets, charming squares, and nice gardens. I love exploring the old town centre and getting lost wandering the small streets. Although Monaco-Ville is small, it offers a nice walk full of plenty of things to see.
Also, since the city is on hills, be prepared for some ups and downs. During your exploration, take time to admire the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, which was inaugurated in 1903 and is in a neo-Romanesque style. Many members of the Grimaldi royal family are buried there.
Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
If you are a lover of marine life, the Oceanographic Museum is a must-visit. Both a museum and aquarium, it is housed in a lovely 1910 Neo-baroque building dramatically carved into a cliff. At €16, it’s not cheap, but as one of the oldest aquariums in the world, with over 450 species of tropical fish and other marine creatures, the different exhibitions on offer and the panoramic sea views from the rooftop mean that you are guaranteed to spend a fantastic time there learning about marine species. You can purchase your ticket in advance online here.
Stroll along the Monaco port district
One of the places we were unable to make during our day trip to Monaco was to explore the port district. Port Hercules, the city’s largest port, is where you will see all the super-yachts lining the water. Even though you won’t be able to step foot on many of these “floating mansions”, seeing them up close is impressive. Even seeing them up from the top of the Prince’s Palace, you could see how impressive they were.
Walk along the harbour packed with cafés, boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Discover the Condamine Market
This market in Place d’Armes opens daily and has been selling local specialities for years. Just like any typical provencal market, you will find fresh local fruits and vegetables, flowers, fish and dairy products. It’s a good option to pop in there during lunchtime and try out some of the typical Monegasque cuisines such as socca (a pancake made from chickpea flour) pissaladière (olive and onion flatbread), or barbajuan ( a pastry stuffed with ricotta and swiss chard).
Alternatives to Monaco
Èze, 8 km away:
Èze is a small charming medieval village perched on a hilltop with narrow cobblestone streets, small shops and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Must-visits in the village include the Jardin Exotique and the Fragonard Perfume Factory.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, 35 km away:
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, another picturesque village perched on a hill, is about a 45-minute drive. For years, the village has been a favourite destination for art lovers, and to this day, you will find lots of art galleries and museums. You will love wandering the winding cobbled streets.
Menton, 10km away:
Menton is a colourful seaside town near the Italian border. It is famous for its citrus festival, lovely gardens, and Italian-influenced architecture.
Nice, 20 km away:
The largest city on the Côte d’Azur, offering a mix of art, history, and beach vibes. Explore the Promenade des Anglais, Old Nice (Vieux Nice), and the Marc Chagall Museum.
Antibes, 35 km away:
Antibes is a charming seaside town with a nice old town and a marina full of superyachts. The town is also home to the Picasso Museum.
Ventimiglia, 30 km away:
Just across the border near Menton, Ventimiglia is known for its lively markets, Roman ruins, and beachside charm.
I had a truly lovely day in Monaco. While I came expecting nothing but glamour and luxury, I was pleasantly surprised to discover so much more. Monaco certainly dazzles with its elegance, but it also offers culture, natural beauty, and a sense of simplicity that’s often overlooked. The best part? You can soak in this unique destination’s charm without spending a fortune.
I hope this guide has inspired you to plan a day (or maybe even more) in this principality. So, if you find yourself in Nice or anywhere along the French Riviera, don’t hesitate to make a quick day trip to Monaco. It’s a destination that leaves an impression far bigger than its size!
FAQ
Is one day enough to visit Monaco?
Yes, one day is sufficient to visit the main attractions in Monaco, making the city an ideal one-day trip from Nice.
When is the best time to visit the Prince’s Palace?
The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11:55 a.m., so it is recommended that you visit the Prince’s Palace around that time to watch the ceremony.
What is the best way to get around Monaco?
The best way to get around Monaco is on foot, as most tourist sites are within walking distance of each other. However, frequent buses are available for those with limited mobility.
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I had a great day trip to Monaco from Nice a few summers ago! The French Riviera is gorgeous!
Agree, the French Riviera is gorgeous and each of the towns of their own charm!