Known for its infamous Monte-Carlo Casino, prestigious Formula 1 races, luxury yachts and lavish hotels, Monaco is a must-see travel destination and an easy day trip from Nice, France.
A day trip to Monaco from Nice is a great way to see some of what this luxurious country—yes, Monaco is its own country!—has to offer, and we had lots of fun exploring here during ours. Read on for more about Monaco, some of the best things to do in Monaco, how to get to Monaco from Nice, Monaco weather, and more.
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An Introduction to Monaco
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, just west of the Italian region of Liguria. It’s the second smallest country in the world, after Vatican City, and has the shortest coastline in the world, at 2.38-miles-long.
Bordered by France on three of its sides, the principality is home to around 38,000 residents and is one of the wealthiest and most expensive destinations in the world. Monaco is also a center of research for marine conservation and is home to one of the world’s first protected marine habitats, along with an Oceanographic Museum and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Marine Environment Laboratories.
How to Get to Monaco from Nice
Monaco is less than 10 miles away from Nice, France, with a road distance of just under 14 miles.
Getting to Monaco from Nice is easy and scenic, and the most convenient way to do so is by train. The train from Nice to Monaco takes about 20 minutes and runs every 10-20 minutes throughout the day. You can purchase tickets online through Trainline (my preference) or in person at the train station; the cost is €4-7 each way.
A Broad Recommendation: If you can, grab a window seat on the right side of the train because there are incredible views of the Mediterranean coastline along the way.
Taking the bus from Nice to Monaco is another budget-friendly option with beautiful views. Bus 100 runs from Nice Port to Monaco, takes about 45 minutes, and costs €1.50 each way.
If you’ve rented a car, driving to Monaco from Nice takes about 30-40 minutes via the Moyenne Corniche or Basse Corniche. The drive also offers stunning views, but be aware that parking in Monaco is limited and can be expensive.
Monaco Languages
The official language of Monaco is French, but Italian and English are also widely spoken and understood. Monégasque, Monaco’s historic vernacular language, is also spoken by locals.
Currency in Monaco
Though Monaco is not a member of the European Union, it still uses the Euro (€) as its currency, due to a special agreement with France. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you plan to visit the Monte-Carlo Casino.
Weather in Monaco
Monaco has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild winters, making it a great destination to visit year-round.
Summer (June-August) is hot and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 86°F. This time of year is great for being out on the water, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing, taking a boat tour, or chartering a yacht.
Summer in Monaco also brings fun events like the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival and the Monaco Red Cross Gala. We visited Monaco at the end of August and didn’t experience too many crowds, despite summer being the busiest time of year in Monaco.
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) in Monaco bring fewer crowds and more pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging between 59°F to 72°F and 63°F to 77°F, respectively.
In the spring, you can attend the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most famous Formula 1 races in the world, the Spring Arts Festival, or the Floral Beauty contest, or visit the Exotic Garden or the Japanese Garden for fresh blooms and lush greenery.
In the fall, check out the Monaco Yacht Show or try hiking the Tête de Chien, a moderately challenging trail that offers panoramic views of Monaco and the French Riviera. The cliffside Saint-Martin Gardens also offer beautiful views, and fall is a great time to visit.
Though winter (December-February) in Monaco is chillier, with temperatures ranging from 46°F to 59°F, it’s still a nice time to visit. There’s lots to do in Monaco during the winter like enjoying the Monaco Christmas Village, which features ice skating, holiday markets, and rides; treating yourself to a wellness experience at Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo; shopping at Carré d’Or; seeing the winter blooms at the Exotic Garden; and more.
It’s safe to say that with so many things to do during a day trip to Monaco from Nice, you won’t be disappointed no matter what time of year you visit!
Things to Do on a Day Trip to Monaco
Here are all of the things we did during our day trip to Monaco from Nice. And, all of these activities can be enjoyed during any season in Monaco!
Chapel of Sainte-Dévote
Situated near the port, at the first corner of the Monaco Grand Prix track, the Chapel of Sainte-Dévote is a Roman Catholic chapel dedicated to Saint Devota, the patron saint of Monaco. This was our first stop during our day trip to Monaco from Nice (and a quick one).
First referenced in documents from 1070, the chapel was restored in the 16th century and refurbished further in the 19th century in the 18th-century Neo-Grec style.
Legend has it that Devota was a young Christian woman who lived in Corsica at the beginning of the 4th century and was martyred by the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
Her body was placed on a boat bound for Africa in hopes of a proper Christian burial, but when a storm hit, a dove appeared and guided it safely to the port of Monaco. Here, she was quickly venerated as a saint.
Today, Saint Devota is still a symbol of Monegasque unity and identity. Every January 26th, the feast of Saint Devota is celebrated. Relics arrive by boat, a dove is released, prayers are recited, and the Sovereign Prince of Monaco burns a symbolic boat in memory of the saint. The ceremony is followed by a spectacular firework display at the Port of Monaco—something well worth seeing if your visit aligns with this time of year!
The Prince’s Car Collection
Our next stop was the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco, a museum that houses a unique collection of classic and luxury cars, assembled by the late Prince Rainier III and his son, Prince Albert II.
A lover and enthusiast of beautiful cars, Prince Rainier III began collecting cars in the late 1950s. In 1993, he decided to share his private collection with the public by opening the museum. The collection includes around 100 vehicles, ranging from horse-drawn carriages and vintage cars to modern sports cars and race cars, and showcases models built by some of the greatest automobile manufacturers in the United States and Europe.
Some highlights include Rolls-Royces, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, and rare classics like the Delahaye 135, Jaguar XJ220, and Lincoln models. The collection also features vehicles from Monaco’s Formula 1 history, as well as several cars belonging to the royal family.
A Broad Recommendation: Get your souvenirs at the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco. They’re reasonably priced, and the souvenirs we saw everywhere else were much more expensive.
Port Hercules
Monaco’s famous port, Port Hercules, aka the Port of Monaco, has been used since ancient times and is now lined with luxury yachts, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect place to take a stroll or to sit, relax, and people-watch. The port is also at the center of Monaco’s nightlife, with its fancy restaurants and glamorous bars, making it a fun area to explore in the evening too.
After visiting the Prince’s Car Collection, we took our time and made our way around the port, admiring the views, the impressive boats and yachts, and the Monte-Carlo Casino along the way.
A Broad Recommendation: If you have extra time, pack a bathing suit and spend the afternoon at the Stade Nautique Rainier III, a public swimming pool with an epic water slide and a nice view of the port.
Lunch at Malizia Mar
After walking around the harbor, we stumbled upon Malizia Mar, a Mediterranean-style restaurant with gorgeous views of the sea, the harbor, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, and Monaco City.
The service was excellent, the food and wine were delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the setting was both peaceful and beautiful, making it the perfect lunch spot and a great place to rest our feet after walking around the harbor!
A Broad Recommendation: Due to its incredible location, Malizia Mar is also a great place to grab dinner and to enjoy the sunset in Monaco.
Monaco Old Town
After lunch, we made our way through the winding streets of Monaco’s Old Town, often referred to as Monaco-Ville or simply “The Rock” (Le Rocher).
Perched on a rocky promontory, overlooking the Mediterranean, Monaco’s Old Town has a charming, village-like feel and is walkable. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the Monaco Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum (pictured here), Saint Martin Gardens, and more.
A Broad Recommendation: Wear comfortable shoes like these Women’s Weekends or one of these NAOT Footwear Sabrina Women’s or Women’s Chantik sandals, since Monaco-Ville involves a lot of walking uphill.
The Prince’s Palace of Monaco
Situated on Le Rocher, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco and the seat of the Grimaldi family, who’ve governed Monaco for more than 700 years.
The palace was built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress and evolved into a grand royal residence over the centuries. In 1297, the Grimaldi family took control of the palace, and it’s been the home of the Grimaldi dynasty ever since. Throughout its history, the palace has undergone various renovations, blending architectural styles from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Louis XIV eras.
The Palace of Monaco is open to the public from late March to mid-October and offers a glimpse into the royal family’s life and the grandeur of the residence. Highlights include the Throne Room, the Palace Chapel, and the Blue Room.
A Broad Recommendation: Don’t miss the changing of the guard at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, which takes place daily at 11:55 am.
Palace Square
Right in front of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the Palace Square offers breathtaking views of the Monaco harbor, the Mediterranean, and the surrounding French Riviera and is the perfect spot for a photo opp. In fact, this was my favorite view in Monaco!
The square also has several gift shops, though they’re a bit pricier—remember to get your souvenirs at the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco!
Casino de Monte-Carlo
A visit to the infamous Monte-Carlo Casino is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Monaco. The Monte-Carlo Casino is one of the most famous casinos in the world and was designed by the same architect who designed the Opera House in Paris, France (Charles Garnier).
Commissioned by Prince Charles III of Monaco in 1863, with the goal of boosting Monaco’s economy, the Monte-Carlo Casino has done just that. In fact, it’s helped to transform Monaco into one of the wealthiest countries in the world!
Inside the casino, visitors will find fancy gaming rooms with intricate frescoes, chandeliers, sculptures, and classic table games like roulette, blackjack, craps, poker, and baccarat, along with a selection of slot machines.
Even if you’re not a gambler, the Monte-Carlo Casino is definitely worth a visit! You may even recognize it from the James Bond movies Never Say Never Again, Casino Royale, and GoldenEye.
We spent about an hour here playing the slot machines in the first room, which doesn’t enforce a dress code.
A Broad Recommendation: There’s an entrance fee for visitors and a dress code to go beyond the first room, which mainly has slot machines. Some areas of the casino are exclusive to high rollers and require more formal attire.
La Brasserie de Monaco
We couldn’t leave Monaco without trying some local brews! La Brasserie de Monaco is a popular microbrewery that features various beers, including its signature Monaco Blonde, which are brewed in the Principality of Monaco. This was the last stop of our day trip to Monaco from Nice and a fun one!
It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and has a spacious outdoor terrace, a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and picturesque views of the harbor. At night, La Brasserie de Monaco transforms into a fun nightlife spot with DJs and live music, making it a popular place to hang out any time of day.
Other Things to Do in Monaco
Of course, one day in Monaco isn’t nearly enough time to see all that this fabulous country has to offer. Here are some other things to do in Monaco that we’d like to check out next time:
- Monaco Grand Prix Circuit: If you’re a Formula 1 fan, you can follow the signs and make your own self-guided walking tour of the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit.
- Larvotto Beach: Monaco’s main public beach, boasts beautiful, turquoise waters and lots of bars and restaurants, and is the perfect place to relax in the sun and to swim in the Mediterranean.
- Oceanographic Museum: Located on a cliff overlooking the sea, the Oceanographic Museum features an aquarium, interactive marine exhibits, and a rooftop with gorgeous views of Monaco and the Mediterranean.
- Exotic Garden of Monaco: Also set on a cliff with gorgeous views, this tranquil garden is home to thousands of exotic plant species from around the world. And, you can combine your visit with a tour of the prehistoric caves, which are located underneath the garden—how neat!
- Japanese Garden: This serene garden offers another peaceful retreat right in the heart of Monaco and features koi ponds, waterfalls, carefully curated plants, and more.
- Monaco Cathedral (St. Nicholas Cathedral): This Roman-Byzantine style cathedral (pictured here) is another peaceful spot in the heart of Monaco, where many of Monaco’s royalty, including Grace Kelly, are buried.
- Fine Dining: Monaco is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, like Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse, all of which offer a fine dining experience and sound delicious!
Bonus Tip for Visiting Monaco
If you’re interested in some of the seasonal events that Monaco has to offer, be sure to plan your visit accordingly. Here are some popular events that take place each month in Monaco:
- January: Feast of Saint Devota & Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival
- February: Monaco Run
- March: Rose Ball & Spring Arts Festival
- April: Monte-Carlo Masters
- May: Monaco Grand Prix & Floral Beauty competition
- June: Fête de la Musique
- July: Monaco Red Cross Gala & Monte-Carlo Summer Festival
- August: Fireworks Competition
- September: Monaco Yacht Show
- October: Monaco International Auto Show
- November: National Day of Monaco & Monaco International Film Festival
- December: Monaco Christmas Village
Well, there you have it! You’re ready to start planning your day trip to Monaco from Nice, France. What will you be doing first?
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads