1 Day Moment in Monaco
TRAVEL DATE: APRIL 26, 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 15 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
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Monaco Customized Map (Google Maps)
Considering a high-speed day trip from Nice to one of the most luxurious street circuits?
Home to a rapid racing scene while simultaneously holding a spot on the billionaire social calendar, there’s nowhere quite like Monaco. Albeit the second-smallest sovereign state in the world, this little landmass packs a punch, drawing the global elite to mingle and meander through the scenic streets situated on a prominent escarpment along the French Riviera.
A mere twenty minutes from Nice, Monaco is the perfect day trip: compact, opulent, and cosmopolitan. Don’t let the glitz and glamour fool you—regular citizens like you and me can still get a piece of the action while enjoying all that Monte-Carlo has to offer!
One Day Monaco Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of how to experience a one day tour of Monaco:
9:50 - 10:11 AM: 🚉 Train from the Nice-Ville to the Monaco-Monte-Carlo station (21 min)
10:11 - 10:56 AM: ⚜️ Take the long way to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco for stunning coastal views (45 min)
10:56 - 11:36 AM: 👑 Admire the regal rooms of the palace (40 min)
11:36 - 11:56 AM: 🪨 Peruse the official gift shop then take a detour to the Port Fontvieille viewpoint (20 min)
11:56 AM - 12:56 PM: 🥘 Indulge in home-made french food during lunch at Le Petit Bar Monaco (1 hr)
12:56 - 1:41 PM: 🛥️ Stroll down the hillside to admire mega yachts in Port Hercules (45 min)
1:41 - 2:11 PM: 🌸 Begin walking the circuit as you head to the Princess Grace Japanese Garden (30 min)
2:11 - 2:31 PM: 🏮 Admire the waterfall, small mountain, pond, and tea house in the garden (20 min)
2:31 - 2:41 PM: 🏎️ Circle back to see the Fairmont Hairpin race turn overlooked by the swanky hotel (10 min)
2:41 - 3:21 PM: 👝 Window shop around the luxury stores flanking the casino grounds (45 min)
3:21 - 3:51 PM: 🪷 Meander through the Casino Garden and Little Africa Gardens around the plaza (30 min)
3:51 - 5:51 PM: 🎰 Gamble in the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo and give the slots a go (2 hr)
5:51 - 7:21 PM: 🍖 Enjoy a hearty French dinner in the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo (1 hr 30 min)
7:21 - 7:59 PM: 🛤️ Walk back to the Monaco-Monte-Carlo station and catch a train home (38 min)
How to Get from Nice to Monaco?
FROM: Nice-Ville station
TO: Monaco-Monte-Carlo station
TRANSPORTATION: TER via Trainline (22 min, 6 stops, €4.20)
If you’re wondering—where is Monaco even?—you’ll find it nestled between Cap-d’Ail and Cape Martin; however these are relatively small coastal towns, so odds are you’ll be traveling north from Nice or another popular French Riviera destination to reach the principality.
An extremely crowded train traveling from Nice to Monaco
The cheapest, and arguably easiest way to get from Nice to Monaco is by train. For less than €5, you’ll be whisked away into a totally different country—no passport control required!—in as little as 21 minutes. If you’re an early riser, the train route starts running as early as 5:40 AM and comes every 30 minutes, with the last train of the day departing from Monaco at 11:20 PM.
While that all sounds easy enough, it’s important to note that this train route gets CROWDED, especially during peak season! Even though it was a cold, windy, rainy day, we traveled from Nice to Monaco the day before a Formula E championship race was hosted there and the train was packed to the brim on both our outbound and return journeys. I can’t imagine how bad it gets during warm, sunny days on weekends in the summer!
There’s really no getting around the masses of people that will board the train alongside you, so prepare to be a bit squished and uncomfortable — the good news is that you’ll only be claustrophobic for about 20 minutes!
The most important thing to know is that alllll these people got on the train at the Nice-Ville station and departed at the Monaco-Monte-Carlo station — that means if you get off the train at any of the intermediate stops you may not be able to get back on! In both directions, passengers looking to board the train at these stops in between Nice and Monaco simply could not get on, as there was legitimately no room for them to fit in the cars.
If you really hate crowds and have extra cash to dish out, a one-way taxi ride between these two cities will cost ~€100 and take the same amount of time as the train. Alternatively, you can also secure roundtrip ferry tickets for $53.74, but the ferry ride takes around 40 minutes and you’ll have less flexibility within your schedule.
How to Get Around Monaco?
Traveling around Monaco is not for the faint of heart — and by faint of heart, I mean anyone with reduced mobility. If you or any of your travel companions struggle to walk long distances, climb stairs, or requires the use of assistive devices like wheelchairs or crutches: Good luck, Charlie!
I traveled to Monaco for the day with my middle-aged mother, who bears none of the ailments described above, and yet we struggled significantly to get around. Walking tours of Monaco's Old Town and Monte Carlo will require you to walk up and down winding streets, scale spiraling staircases, and descend into pedestrian tunnels at a moments notice. Trudging through blowing sheets of rain did not bode well for our moods—and it didn’t help that we couldn’t catch a taxi anywhere!
Retrospectively, I’m now aware that there are 12 taxi stations and 10 call phones around Monaco, with their locations detailed here. Given there are only 95 drivers serving the whole principality, this isn’t the typical urban experience where you can easily flag a taxi off the street at a moment’s notice. Rather than calling the number listed on the official taxi website, you can also use the Sixt app to book a ride on your phone! Be warned that these trips will cost you an arm and a leg, our ride from the casino to the train station was €50!
Alternatively, 6 public bus lines serve the immediate area of Monte-Carlo between 7:00 AM to 9.15 PM with their routes described here. For €2.10, you can use this network to visit all of the main tourist attractions, with tickets available for purchase on the CAM website or pay on board with a debit or credit card.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting around any race days, the main streets are coincidentally included in circuit routes and thus will be closed off to the public. This poses an obstacle to getting around, as public transit is disrupted and the path your map recommends will likely be blocked off.
What to Do in Monaco?
FROM: Monaco-Monte-Carlo station
TO: Prince's Palace of Monaco
TRANSPORTATION: walk for 35 minutes, taking the long way to the palace down Avenue de la Quarantaine
The marine museum seen from Avenue de la Quarantaine
Once you’ve arrived, begin your Monaco tour by heading from the train station to the Prince's Palace of Monaco. You’ll exit the station in a relatively residential part of town, and if you’d prefer to be closer to the action you can adjust your route to walk through the commercial Port Quarter or directly by the luxury yachts in the harbor. Regardless of the path you take, you’ll eventually run into Avenue du Port, and it’s here that I recommend you shift your trajectory away from the route your maps app will give you. Instead of walking up the treacherous flight of steps you’ll see in front of you, continue to flank the harbor by walking down Avenue de la Quarantaine.
Following this route will take you out and around the harbor bend, showcasing stunning views of the dramatic architecture overlooking the cliffs. If that wasn’t convincing enough, this path will also take you through the public parking garage for the area’s attractions, meaning you’ll have the luxuries of modern day technology like elevators and escalators at your disposal.
After exiting the garage at the top of this peninsula, you’ll pass the Monaco Open Air Cinema and Musée Océanographique de Monaco. If you’ve got time to spare, consider exploring marine sciences inside the museum or returning in the evening to catch a film on cliffs above the sea!
Assuming you’re following the plan at hand, continue walking down Avenue Saint-Martin, which will take you right to the palace! Along the way, you can take a detour through the Jardins Saint-Martin, boasting exceptional plants and sculptures in a green oasis set against stunning views of the ocean below.
Prince's Palace of Monaco
Originally built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco has been the home of the ruling Grimaldi family since 1297. Its long history is deeply intertwined with that of Monaco and the surrounding region.
The palace hosts important national and ceremonial events, including receptions, state occasions, and the changing of the guard every day at 11:55 AM, which is a popular tourist attraction in which you can observe the coordinated military ritual.
Assuming you’re like me and—prior to this moment—you’ve never learned a single thing about Monaco’s history in your life, visiting the Prince's Palace of Monaco is a good place to start! From March 26 to October 13, 2024 during the hours of 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, you can explore the State Apartments housing historical treasures like Louis XV furniture, precious artworks, and the portraits of past sovereigns. A complimentary audio guide is paired with your €10 entrance fee, which is especially helpful if you’re coming into this visit with no context on major historical events that have impacted the principality.
In a more recent 2015 discovery, frescoes dating back to the Italian Renaissance were discovered hidden within ceilings of various palace rooms. These historic pieces of art are currently undergoing sustainable restoration, but as this process is underway you’ll also find an exhibit inside the palace showcasing how this is accomplished!
My favorite part of the visit, aside from the ever-glorious red velvet throne room, was a mirrored gallery housing more modern portraits of the current royal family and other notable Monegasque artists. These pieces contrasted significantly with the glimpses into antiquity housed within the majority of the royal rooms, and in one of the most opulent art displays I’ve ever seen — you’ll find a solid gold bust of the current prince at the end of the hall!
Consider pairing your palace ticket with a tour of the automobile collection of car enthusiast Prince Rainier III for a reduced price of only €17, which features information on the history of the Monaco Grand Prix and legendary races in the region. While these tickets can be booked together, it’s important to note that these attractions are not located next to each other — you’ll have to walk 16 minutes down to Port Hercules to find the 100-some-odd cars ranging from a 1903 De Dion Bouton to the Lexus used for the 2011 royal wedding alongside F1 cars. If you’re interested in checking off all the princely pursuits established by Prince Rainier III, you can also purchase €6 tickets to the zoological gardens home to sixty different species of rescued exotic animals. This attraction on the other hand is conveniently located just behind the palace!
Port of Fontvieille Viewpoint
After exiting the palace, walk around the left side of the official souvenir shop to find stunning views of the Port of Fontvieille—and a free public restroom if you need it!
The hillside path winds down around the palace ramparts, and if you’d like you can circle back through the Jardins Saint-Martin to museum route described above. I simply admired the view before heading back up the path and on my way to lunch!
Lunch - Le Petit Bar Monaco
A quick four minute walk around the palace plaza and down Rue Basse will bring you to Le Petit Bar Monaco. This unassuming French bistro serving decidedly homemade food was unexpectedly the best meal we had during our entire trip around Paris, Nice, and Monaco. With carefully plated meals reminiscent of fine dining, the fresh and seasonal produce is combined in an ever-changing menu drawn from chef Alain’s inspiration.
Adding to this small epicurean haunt’s charm, you’ll read the available dishes for the day off a handwritten chalkboard menu steeped in regional specialties. John Contente is the host who waited upon us, and we were extremely pleased by his charming demeanor and attention to detail. My mother was concerned that her pork filet was undercooked—although I’m of the opinion the pork she serves is overcooked—and he graciously heard our concerns and put the plate back in the oven without a second thought.
Her dish was described as pork filet mignon and gorgonzola fondue with mashed potatoes while I enjoyed cereal grain risotto topped with a grilled octopus tentacle — both of our dishes were divine and reflected the absolute artistry of the chef! If you’re visiting Monte Carlo, Le Petit Bar Monaco is the #1 restaurant you can’t miss.
Port Hercules
After lunch, walk off your food coma 15 minutes down Ramp de la Major, which will take you down the steps you were looking up at previously. This winding route loops back and around with panoramic views of the harbor at every turn. Once you’re at the ground level, continuing forward around a looping bend will place you directly in front of Port Hercules. As the only deep-water port in Monaco, this harbor is famous for hosting some of the world's most luxurious yachts, thus attracting high-profile visitors and yacht owners. With a strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, this popular destination for the global elite is a prime spot for maritime activities and a gateway to the principality. Historically, Port Hercules has been a natural harbor since ancient times, used by the Greeks and Romans in the region.
Assuming you didn’t arrive in Monaco on one of these super yachts, you can still enjoy their luxurious ambiance from the harbor street and surrounding piers. As one of the lower points in the principality, Port Hercules is surrounded by Monaco’s picturesque mountains and simultaneously offers stunning views of the city, the palace, and the surrounding landscape.
Fairmont Hairpin
The tightest turn in F1 Monaco racing, the Fairmont Hairpin
Once you’ve gotten your fill of million dollar boats—and you’ve taken some time to explore the quaint streets of the nearby Port Quarter—start walking the Monaco Grand Prix race track by walking down Boulevard Albert 1er up and around the opposite side of the harbor. At the end of this street you’ll find a pedestrian tunnel that routes you nicely onto Avenue d'Ostende, where you’ll continue the 26 minute walk to the Princess Grace Japanese Garden. You can remain on this street for the remainder of the route, as it will take you up and around the famous casino plaza via Place du Casino.
Along the way, you’ll walk around the Fairmont Hairpin turn. For racing fans, this is one of the most famous and iconic sections of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, given it is the tightest turn in all of Formula 1 racing. As you’ll see from other vehicles making the turn, this section requires drivers to slow down significantly, making it a challenging part of the track requiring precise driving skills and car control. The difficulty of maneuvering through this turn can make or break a lap, and as such success here can be pivotal for race strategy, allowing for dramatic overtaking maneuvers impacting the overall race dynamics.
During races, Formula 1 fans in the grandstands can watch the precision of the drivers up close or from the luxurious Fairmont Monte Carlo which gives the turn its name. This high-profile landmark towers over the curve, adding to the glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix with renowned restaurants like Nobu and Nikki Beach inside.
Pro Tip:
If you’re desperate for a taxi at this point, the doormen at the Fairmont Monte Carlo can help you call one! Otherwise, waiting a few minutes will allow you to cross paths with a taxi dropping off a hotel guest anyways.
Princess Grace Japanese Garden
A quick 4 minute jaunt down Avenue Princess Grace will bring you to the Princess Grace Japanese Garden. Serving as a tribute to Grace Kelly, the former Hollywood actress who became a princess, this space of quiet reflection embodies her love for nature and beauty. A symbol of international friendship and cultural exchange, the garden blends Monegasque and Japanese ideals as imagined by landscape architect, Yasuo Beppu.
When walking around the area, you’ll find traditional Japanese elements such as stone lanterns, bridges, and a tea house. Its meticulous design follows the principles of Japanese garden aesthetics, emphasizing tranquility and harmony with nature. It’s no surprise that native Japanese plant species were carefully curated within the landscaping, including bamboo, maples, and cherry trees, alongside ponds and streams that support aquatic life. This biodiversity contributes to a vibrant ecosystem fostering a peaceful retreat in the urban setting of Monaco.
If you’re seeking more natural solace reminiscent of a different continent, consider stopping by the Little Africa Gardens on your walk back to the casino. Established in the early 20th century, this is another environmental development which reflects the principality's ongoing efforts to beautify and utilize its limited space creatively while reflecting a variety of cultural influences in its role as a cosmopolitan hub. Directly next to this floral feature is yet another garden space, this time dedicated to the famous casino and thus bearing the name Casino Gardens.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
Once you’ve fully returned the way you came to the casino plaza, spend some time window shopping around the designer stores home of the principality’s finest luxury offerings. This district is formally known as Carré d’Or—or the Golden Square—and is known globally as one of the premiere shopping destinations around the world. While you might not have thousands of dollar to drop on a purse at this moment in time, it’s still pretty satisfying to see the unique pieces for sale in prestigious commercial centers like the Metropole Shopping Monte Carlo.
After looking at the price tags on these outrageously expensive offerings, the €17 entry fee to the Casino de Monte-Carlo won’t look so bad! Arguably the most iconic landmark in all of Monaco, you might be surprised to learn that this casino is only for tourists—locals are banned from gambling here lest they run into their neighbor dealing at a table and cut a deal!
Designed by Charles Garnier, the same architect behind the Paris Opera House, the façade boasts spectacular Beaux-Arts architecture outshined only by the lavish décor and marble sculptures you’ll find inside!
Opened in 1863, the casino has a storied history, playing a pivotal role in the development of Monte Carlo and Monaco. It was originally conceived to save the Grimaldi family from financial distress and has since become a cornerstone of Monaco's economy, particularly in promoting tourism and luxury services.
A magnet for the rich and famous, celebrities, royalty, and aristocrats from around the globe have graced the halls of this playground for the adventurous elite.
To just step inside the casino, you don’t actually have to pay. However, if you want to risk it all playing French roulette or Punto Banco, then you’ll have to dish out a few euros to enter the game rooms. The casino is open daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with access to the game rooms beginning at 2:00 PM. If you’re just visiting for the day, it’s important that your outfit adheres to the casino dress code: shorts, T-shirts, short-sleeve shirts, and sweatshirts are not allowed, let alone flip-flops.
If you plan to enter the gaming rooms, you must present a valid passport with photograph—or national identity card for EU nationals—as U.S. driving licenses are not accepted.
Pro Tip:
Dinner - Café de Paris Monte-Carlo
Once you’ve hit the jackpot (fingers crossed!), head out of the casino just across the plaza to the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo for dinner. A Parisian brasserie on Mediterranean soil, this iconic establishment has been frequented by celebrities and artists, Monegasques and visitors for over 150 years.
On the menu, you’ll find a curated ode to French gastronomic tradition, where respect for the classics and the spirit of simple dishes combine harmoniously to create a comforting culinary experience.
We unfortunately didn’t make it to our dinner reservation here, as the inclement weather created quite a tense walk up to the casino that resulted in us returning to Nice early — but if you can make it the whole day this is a classic Monaco staple you can’t miss!
How Much Does One Day in Monaco Cost?
If you’re traveling to Monaco for just one day you’re in luck — you don’t have to pay for a hotel room! Following the above comprehensive tour itinerary covering Monaco's best sights cost me $105.17 as a recent grad on a budget:
Transportation
$11.74 - Trainline round trip train ticket
€25 - taxi ride back to the train station split between 2 people
Food
€35 - risotto lunch at Le Petit Bar Monaco
Activities
€10.00 - one Prince's Palace of Monaco ticket
€17.00 - entrance fee to the Casino de Monte-Carlo
Of course, if you’re already in Monaco you can forgo the train ticket. If you’re on a tighter budget, consider simply looking inside the casino without actually paying to gamble.
Assuming you don’t find yourself in the middle of a torrential downpour, you’ll also want to factor in the cost of your dinner, and can likely subtract the cost of my taxi back to the train station. If you have more time on your hands, you may want to account for the cost of additional attractions like the Musée Océanographique de Monaco, royal automobile collection, or zoological gardens.
What to Wear in Monaco?
Known for its charm, prestige and high speed racing, dressing for Monaco means marrying the elevated tastes of high-class pursuits with the daring dynamics of Formula 1’s most famous street circuit. Who knows, one minute you could be on a super yacht and the next you’ll see race cars zooming by at 200 mph!
The key lies in striking a balance between risk and refinement, boldness and beauty. Classic silhouettes crafted out of quality garments evoke an appreciation for the finer things in life, while bright red accents and branded team gear give a nod to the racing culture that underlies the buzzing pace of life in Monte Carlo. Incorporate the following pieces into your Monaco attire to go for the gold and leave your competition in the dust:
Formula 1 Inspired Attire
showcase your need for speed and rep your favorite team with official Formula 1 merch
Monochrome Matching
exude old money glam with monochromatic moments mixing black and white chic pieces
Leather Racing Jackets
stay warm on the street circuit with leather moto jackets adorned with sleek racing stripes
Pleated Trouser Sets
pair crisp pleated trousers topped with boyish, collared tops to command the paddock with class
Simple Silk Silhouettes
less is more when blending in with the global elite, and simple silhouettes made of fine silk scream quiet luxury
Pops of Red
pledge your allegiance to Ferrari with pops of fiery race car red embodying passion and peak performance
Is Monaco Worth a Day Trip?
While my Monaco experience didn’t live up to the hype—perhaps because I’m not yet in the right tax bracket to properly enjoy it—I’m determined to come one day and experience the principality in all its glory. Whereas we spent the rainy afternoon following a jam-packed train ride exploring the historical pursuits of Monegasque rulers, I’m certain it would be way sicker to sip champagne on a yacht while watching dragsters race around the track.
Monaco is certainly somewhere you can visit if that’s not your reality, but to really indulge in the unique luxuries the country has to offer, you’ve got to put your money where your mouth is. The good news for us regular folk is that it’s an extremely easy day, or even half-day, trip from Nice, so if you’ve got time to spare in the French Riviera you might as well make the visit! Consider it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to check a new country off your bucket list without having to bring your passport!
When the time is right, I’ll be back in Monte Carlo prepared to shop, gamble, and spend to my heart’s content—it’s inevitable if I’m going to achieve my goal of dining at every Nobu location around the world 😉
