Day Trip to Monaco from Nice: Itinerary, Tips, and What’s Worth Your Time

Article written by Elisa
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Is A Day Trip to Monaco Worth It?

A day trip to Monaco is very popular, especially among overseas visitors who are keen to add another country to their travel list. I visit Monaco every time I am in Nice because I have a friend who works there. I usually leave early in the morning, spend the day visiting and exploring, and meet him when he finishes his workday.

Is it the best day trip from Nice, in my experience? For me, it isn’t amongst my top five day trips from Nice, but there is more than enough to see and do to enjoy a lovely day there.

Monaco’s Old Town is charming, although you can find similar historic streets and views in other places along the French Riviera. The Aquarium is one of Europe’s most famous, and I would definitely recommend visiting on a first trip. The Monaco Grand Prix is a unique experience and worth planning a day around if you are visiting during the event, thanks to the city’s incredible atmosphere. Outside the Old Town, Monaco is very modern, with high-rise buildings and a lot of concrete.

So, while there are other places I would personally choose first (Menton, Èze, Cannes, and the villages of the arrière-pays come to mind), I have visited Monaco enough times to help you plan a memorable day trip.

The bus from Nice to Monaco #600 (formerly line #100) is one of the most beautiful bus rides in the world, and a real bargain for getting to Monaco. Enjoy some of the most spectacular coastal views in the French Riviera for as little as €2.10 each way when paying by contactless card or phone (€2.50 if paying in cash).

The journey takes one hour, and the bus leaves every 15 minutes during the week and every 20 minutes on Sundays and public holidays.

The most convenient place to catch bus #600 is at Nice Port (tram stop: Port). Go to the right-hand corner of the port and walk half a block inland along Rue Arson. The bus stop (Arson/Fodéré) is just a pole with a sign, but you can recognize it by the line of people already waiting. If you can’t find it, just ask the locals – locals in Nice are nice 🙂

In Monaco, you can stop at Place d’Armes, Sainte-Devote, Montecarlo (Casino), or the Tourism Office.

Elisa’s Local Tip: I like to leave Nice early by bus to enjoy the coastal views and travel back to Nice by train.

One Day in Monaco – Suggested Itinerary

Arrive early, especially if you plan to visit the Musée Océanographique de Monaco.

• Start at the Port de Fontvieille Viewpoint for one of the best views of Monaco. Morning light is best for photos.
• Visit the Musée Océanographique (allow around 1.5–2 hours).
• Walk to Monaco Cathedral to see the tombs of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.
• Continue to the Prince’s Palace for the Changing of the Guard at 11:55 am.
• Spend some time exploring Monaco-Ville (the Old Town) before lunch.
• Lunch: I recommend the Marché de la Condamine, where you can choose from several food stalls and enjoy a good meal without spending a fortune. But there are also many restaurants in the Old Town
• After lunch, walk towards Monte Carlo. Along the way, stop at places that interest you, such as the Private Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco, Sainte-Dévote Church, or one of the many viewpoints over the Mediterranean.
• Visit Casino Square, admire the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, and enjoy the atmosphere.
• If you still have time, relax in the Jardins de la Petite Afrique or visit the Japanese Garden Princess Grace before heading back to Nice.

Things to Do in Monaco in a Day

This is a list of what to see in Monaco in no particular order.

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.

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. 

Splurge Experiences – If You Want to Go Beyond Sightseeing

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.

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.

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About France Bucket List
Hi, I'm Elisa – a French local based in Paris and certified French Wine Ambassador who has traveled every region of France, and writes about it for travelers who are done with generic advice. France Bucket List is for the discerning traveler who wants cultural depth, honest opinions, and local knowledge you simply can't get from someone who visited once.

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