1 Day Moment in Monte Carlo: Monaco Day Trip from Nice
TRAVEL DATE: APRIL 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 12 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Considering a high-speed day trip from Nice to the most luxurious street circuit?
Home to a rapid racing scene and spot on the billionaire social calendar, there’s nowhere quite like Monaco. Even as the second-smallest sovereign state in the world, this little landmass packs a punch, drawing the global elite to meander through scenic streets along the French Riviera.
A mere 20 minutes from Nice, Monaco is the perfect day trip: compact, opulent, and cosmopolitan. Don’t let the glitz and glamour fool you—regular citizens 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 Monaco day trip from Nice:
9:50 - 10:11 AM: 🚉 Train from Nice-Ville to the Monaco-Monte-Carlo (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 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 - 2:31 PM: 🌸 Begin walking the circuit as you head to the Princess Grace Japanese Garden (50 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 (40 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?
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FROM: Gare de Nice-Ville (06000 Nice, France)
TO: Monaco-Monte-Carlo (Place Sainte-Dévote, 98000 Monaco)
TRANSPORTATION: TER via Trainline (22 min, 6 stops, €4.20)
If you’re wondering—where even is Monaco?—find it nestled between Cap-d’Ail and Cape Martin. 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.
The cheapest and easiest way to get from Nice to Monaco is by train. For less than €5, get whisked away into a new country—no passport control required—in as little as 21 minutes. The route begins running as early as 5:40 AM and departs every 30 minutes, with the last train of the day leaving Monaco at 11:20 PM.
While that sounds easy enough, this train route gets CROWDED, especially during peak season. Even though it was cold and rainy when I traveled from Nice to Monaco the day before a Formula E race, the train was packed to the brim on my outbound and return journeys. I can’t imagine how bad it gets during warm, sunny days on weekends in the summer!
There’s no getting around the masses of people who will board the train alongside you, so prepare to be squished and uncomfortable — the good news is you’ll only be claustrophobic for 20 minutes!
The most important thing to know is that all these people boarded at Nice-Ville and departed at Monaco-Monte-Carlo— if you get off at any intermediate stops you may not be able to get back on! In both directions, I witnessed passengers attempting to board at the stops in between Nice and Monaco were simply not able to fit, as there was legitimately no room for them.
If you hate crowds and have extra cash to dish out, a one-way taxi ride costs ~€100 and takes the same amount of time as the train. Alternatively, secure roundtrip ferry tickets for $53.74, but the ferry ride takes around 40 minutes and doesn’t allow for flexibility within your schedule.
How to Get Around Monaco?
Traveling around Monaco is not for the faint of heart—or anyone with reduced mobility. If you or your companions struggle to walk long distances, climb stairs, or require assistive devices like wheelchairs or crutches: Good luck, Charlie!
I traveled to Monaco with my middle-aged mother, who bears none of the ailments described above, yet we struggled significantly to get around. Walking through Old Town and Monte Carlo involves winding streets, spiraling staircases, and pedestrian tunnels. Trudging through sheets of rain didn’t bode well for our moods either—and we couldn’t catch a taxi anywhere!
Retrospectively, I’m now aware there are 12 taxi stations and 10 call phones around Monaco. Given only 95 drivers serve the principality, this isn’t the typical urban experience where you can easily flag a car off the street.
Rather than calling the number on the official taxi website, use the Sixt app to book a ride on your phone! Be warned these trips cost 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. For €2.10, use this network to visit the main tourist attractions, with tickets available on the CAM website or pay on board with a debit or credit card.
Pro Tip:
If you’re visiting on a race day, the main streets are included in circuit routes and will be closed 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.
What to Do in Monaco?
Begin your Monaco day trip from Nice by heading to the Prince's Palace. Exiting the station in a relatively residential part of town, to be closer to the action adjust your route to walk through the commercial Port Quarter or directly by the luxury yachts in the harbor.
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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 provides. Instead of walking up the treacherous flight of stairs 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 dramatic architecture overlooking the cliffs. 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, pass the Monaco Open Air Cinema and Musée Océanographique de Monaco. If you have time to spare, explore marine sciences inside the museum or return in the evening to catch a film on cliffs above the sea!
Assuming you follow this plan, continue down Avenue Saint-Martin, which will take you right to the palace! Along the way, take a detour through Jardins Saint-Martin, boasting exceptional plants and sculptures in a green oasis set against a stunning backdrop of the ocean below.
Prince's Palace of Monaco
Originally as a Genoese fortress, the official residence of the Prince of Monaco has housed the ruling Grimaldi family since 1297. The palace hosts ceremonial events including receptions, state occasions, and the changing of the guard every day at 11:55 AM, which is a popular coordinated military ritual to observe.
Assuming you’re like me and never learned a single thing about Monaco’s history, visiting the Prince's Palace is a good place to start! From March through October between 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, explore the State Apartments housing historical treasures like Louis XV’s furniture, precious artwork, and the portraits of past sovereigns. A complimentary audio guide is paired with the €10 entrance fee, which is especially helpful if you’re coming with no context on major historical events which have impacted the principality.
My favorite exhibit, aside from the glorious velvet throne room, was a mirrored gallery housing modern portraits of the royal family and notable Monegasque artists. These pieces contrast significantly against the antiquity housed within most of the royal rooms, and in the most opulent art display I’ve ever seen—find a solid gold bust of the current prince at the end of the hall!
Pair your ticket with a tour of the automobile collection of Prince Rainier III for a reduced €17, exploring the history of the Monaco Grand Prix and legendary races in the region. While these tickets can be booked together, these attractions are not located next to each other—walk 16 minutes to Port Hercules to find the collection including a 1903 De Dion Bouton, the Lexus used for the 2011 royal wedding, and F1 race cars.
To check off all the princely pursuits established by Prince Rainier III, purchase €6 tickets to the zoological gardens, home to 60 species of rescued exotic animals. This attraction is conveniently located behind the palace!
Port of Fontvieille Viewpoint
Exit the palace around the left side of the 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, or circle back through the Jardins Saint-Martin to the 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 4 minute walk down Rue Basse will bring you to Le Petit Bar Monaco. This unassuming French bistro serving decidedly homemade food was unexpectedly the best meal I had during my spring trip around Paris, Nice, and Monaco. With carefully plated meals reminiscent of fine dining, fresh seasonal produce is combined in an ever-changing menu drawn from chef Alain’s inspiration.
Adding to this small epicurean haunt’s charm, read the available dishes for the day off a handwritten chalkboard menu steeped in regional specialties. I enjoyed divine cereal risotto topped with a grilled octopus tentacle, reflecting the absolute artistry of the chef! Le Petit Bar Monaco is the #1 Monte Carlo restaurant you can’t miss.
Port Hercules
Walk off your food coma for 15 minutes down Ramp de la Major. This winding route loops back with panoramic views of the harbor at every turn. On the ground level, continuing around a looping bend will place you in front of Port Hercules.
As the only deep-water port in Monaco, this harbor hosts some of the world's most luxurious yachts, attracting high-profile visitors and yacht owners. With a strategic location on the Mediterranean coast, this popular destination for the global elite is a gateway to the principality.
Assuming you didn’t arrive on a super yacht, enjoy their luxurious ambiance from the harbor streets. 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, palace, and surrounding landscape.
Fairmont Hairpin
Explore the quaint streets of the nearby Port Quarter, then walk the Monaco Grand Prix race track down Boulevard Albert 1er and around the opposite side of the harbor. Find a pedestrian tunnel that routes nicely onto Avenue d'Ostende, where you’ll continue the 26 minute walk to the Princess Grace Japanese Garden. Remain on this street for the remainder of the route, as it leads up and around the famous casino plaza via Place du Casino.
Along the way, spot the Fairmont Hairpin turn. This is the most iconic section of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, given it’s the tightest turn in all of Formula 1 racing. This section requires drivers to slow down significantly via precise driving skills and car control. The difficulty of maneuvering through this turn can make or break a lap, allowing for dramatic overtaking maneuvers impacting race dynamics.
During races, fans in the grandstands can watch the precision of 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, the doormen at the Fairmont Monte Carlo can help you call one! Otherwise, waiting in the lobby will allow you to cross paths with a taxi dropping off hotel guests anyways.
Princess Grace Japanese Garden
A 4 minute jaunt down Avenue Princess Grace leads to the Princess Grace Japanese Garden. A tribute to Grace Kelly, this reflection space embodies her love of 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.
Find traditional Japanese elements like stone lanterns, bridges, and a tea house. Its meticulous design adheres to Japanese garden aesthetics, emphasizing tranquility and harmony with nature. Native Japanese plant species were carefully curated within the landscaping, including bamboo, maple, and cherry trees alongside ponds and streams which support aquatic life.
For natural solace reminiscent of a different continent, stop by the Little Africa Gardens on the way to the casino. This is another environmental development which reflects the principality's efforts to utilize its limited space creatively while reflecting various cultural influences as a cosmopolitan hub. Next to this floral feature is yet another garden space, the Casino Gardens.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
Window shop around the designer stores home to the principality’s finest luxury offerings. Carré d’Or—the Golden Square—is known globally as a premiere shopping destination. While you might not drop thousands of dollars on a purse today, it’s still satisfying to see the unique pieces in prestigious commercial centers like the Metropole Shopping Monte Carlo.
After looking at these outrageously expensive offerings, the €17 entry fee to the Casino de Monte-Carlo won’t seem so bad! Arguably the most iconic landmark in Monaco, this casino is only for tourists—locals are banned from gambling here lest they run into their neighbor dealing and cut a deal!
Designed by the same architect behind the Paris Opera House, the façade boasts spectacular Beaux-Arts elements outshined only by the lavish décor and marble sculptures inside!
Opened in 1863, the casino played a pivotal role in the development of Monte Carlo. Originally conceived to save the Grimaldi family from financial distress, it 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 step inside the casino, you don’t have to pay. However, to risk it all playing French roulette or Punto Banco, dish out a few euros to enter the game rooms. Daily access to the casino begins from 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM, with the game rooms opening at 2:00 PM. Ensure your day trip outfit adheres to the dress code: shorts, tees, short-sleeve shirts, and sweatshirts are not allowed, let alone flip-flops.
Pro Tip:
To enter the gaming rooms, you must present a valid passport with photograph—or identity card for EU nationals—U.S. driver’s licenses are not accepted.
Dinner - Café de Paris Monte-Carlo
Once you’ve hit the jackpot, head across the plaza to Café de Paris Monte-Carlo for dinner. A Parisian brasserie on Mediterranean soil, this iconic establishment has been frequented by celebrities, artists, Monegasques, and visitors for over 150 years.
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.
I unfortunately didn’t make it to my dinner reservation due to inclement weather—but if you last 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 Monaco day trip from Nice itinerary covering the principality's best sites cost me $105.17 as a recent grad on a budget:
Transportation
$11.74 - Trainline round trip train ticket from Nice-Ville
€25 - taxi ride back to the train station from the Fairmont Monte Carlo split between 2 people
Food
€35 - octopus 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
If you’re already in Monaco forgo the train ticket. On a tighter budget, consider looking inside the casino without paying to gamble.
Assuming you don’t encounter a torrential downpour, factor in the cost of dinner and subtract the cost of my taxi back to the train station. If you have more time on your hands, account for additional attractions like the Musée Océanographique de Monaco, royal automobile collection, or zoological gardens.
What to Wear in Monaco?
Known for charm, prestige, and high-speed racing, dressing for Monaco means marrying the elevated taste of high-class pursuits with the daring dynamics of Formula 1’s street circuit. One minute you could be on a super yacht and the next see racecars zooming at 200 mph!
Strike 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 nod to the racing culture which 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 simply chic pieces
Leather Racing Jackets
stay warm on the street circuit wearing 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 racecar red embodying passion and peak performance
Is a Monaco Day Trip From Nice Worth it?
While my Monaco experience didn’t live up to the hype—perhaps because I’m not in the right tax bracket to properly enjoy it—I’m determined to come back one day and experience the principality in all its glory. Whereas I spent one rainy afternoon following a jam-packed train ride exploring the historical pursuits of Monegasque rulers, I’m certain it would be way cooler 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 this country has to offer, you’ve got to put your money where your mouth is. The good news for 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!
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