Best Things to Do in Monaco in A Day
Monaco is a small royal principality on the French Riviera and is probably one of the most beautiful stretches of land I’ve come across. It’s less than two square kilometers in size, yet oozes wealth and glamour. So how exactly do you spend a day in Monaco? Below is a list of things to do in Monaco that are not only catered to the rich and famous, but for everyone visiting to have a taste of this independent state.
Monaco exudes luxury no matter where you look. With its deep blue sea and palm trees that line the streets, Monaco is filled with tropical vibes, lush vegetation, and perfect Mediterranean weather.
One of the best features of the principality is Le Rocher or The Rock, which includes the historic part of Monaco, also known as Monaco-Ville (or the Old Town). You’ll find plenty of charming narrow streets, pretty churches, beautiful gardens, historic landmarks, casinos and not to forget, the Grand Prix.
Monaco is often visited as a day trip from Nice, which is an easy 30-minute train ride away. Tourists flock to Monaco to experience the sheer beauty of the French Riviera. Considered to have Europe’s highest per capita income, Monaco exudes wealth with its five-star hotels, luxury yachts, designer boutiques, and lavish restaurants.
If you are a high roller, there are plenty of options available to you. However, Monaco isn’t just about gambling, eating in fancy restaurants, or buying a ticket to the Grand Prix. There are plenty of things to do in Monaco for the day. So, a day trip to this part of the French Riviera is highly recommended.
Getting to Monaco from Nice
There are a few ways to get to Monaco from Nice; bus, train, and car. If you are short on time or unsure which mode of transport to use, my suggestion is to take the bus to Monaco and the train back to Nice. This way you’ll get to experience the beautiful coastal views on your way there but can get back quicker by train once you are tired after a long day of sightseeing. Just don’t miss the last train back to Nice!
Bus 100
The bus from Nice to Monaco is easy and convenient and is the cheapest option to get to Monaco from Nice. There is a long stretch of windy coastal road but if you can stomach the drive, then you’ll be rewarded with some stunning views of the coast. It costs about €1.5 Euros for a one-way and you can buy your ticket from the driver on the bus. The bus takes roughly about 45 – 50 minutes to get to Monaco.
You can catch the number 100 bus from the Port of Nice located right at the top of the port next to the church. Buses run every 15 to 20 minutes. There’s usually a line of tourists waiting to catch the bus, so if it’s too crowded, I’d recommend you wait for the next one and try and sit on the right side to catch the beautiful coastal views.
On the way back from Monaco, you’ll catch the bus from Place des Moulins just off the main waterfront street. Sit on the left side of the bus and enjoy the spectacular view of the Mediterranean.
Train
You can catch a train from Gare de Nice Ville through to Gare de Monaco which will take approximately 25 minutes. No real scenery on this journey. Also, the trains can be incredibly crowded. We had a bad experience both ways with an overcrowded train. This will cost a little more, around €4 Euros one way.
Drive
If you’re brave enough to tackle the windy roads, then you could hire a car and drive to Monaco. I would recommend against this option as bracing the drive is one thing, but once you get to Monaco, finding parking and maneuvering through traffic is a completely different story. Roads in Monaco can get quite congested so if you aren’t used to driving there I’d recommend sticking to a bus or train.
Guided Tour
If you are worried about time and want someone to plan the day out for you, then you can also take a guided tour from Nice to Monaco. Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary as Monaco is easy enough to get around yourself.
Getting Around Monaco
The majority of the city is pretty walkable, although it is quite hilly at times. There are public elevators to make walking across different levels of the city easier (do your feet a service and use them whenever you come across them). If you want an easy option you can use the hop-on-hop off bus that will take you to the main sights. Alternatively, Monaco has an extensive network of buses so you can use the local buses which costs about €2 per ride. Tickets can be bought on board.
How long do you need in Monaco
Accommodation can be very expensive in Monaco so the cheapest way to visit is by taking a day trip. Monaco is compact so one day is more than enough to take in the main sites. Nice is a great place to base yourself as it’s the more affordable of all the places in the French Riviera.
If you were looking to splurge and stay a night in Monaco, then you could do a bit more, like relaxing on Larvotto Beach or dining at one of the fine restaurants.
Know Before You Go
- Currency in Monaco: The euro is the official currency in Monaco. Most major credit cards are widely accepted.
- Language in Monaco: The official language in Monaco is French. Many people speak English so it’s easy to get around the city.
- Climate in Monaco: Monaco enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year, thanks to its Mediterranean climate. The average weather in Monaco is around 26-29ºC (80-84ºF) in Summer and 8-14ºC (48-58ºF) in Winter.
- Driving in Monaco: For those traveling to Monaco from the European Union, your local driver’s license is sufficient. Those traveling to Monaco from outside the European Union will need an international driving permit as well as their own driver’s license.
Best Things to Do in Monaco in a Day
A day trip to Monaco is definitely something to consider especially if you are based in Nice. It’s easy enough to get to by bus or train and affordable too. When I spent some time in the south of France, I decided to do a day trip from Nice and spent one day in Monaco. It was a busy day, but it was a lot of fun and I definitely recommend it especially when you are visiting the French Riviera.
If you are visiting Monaco just for the day, you’ll want to plan your trip well in advance to make the most of your time there. Use this guide to find the best way to spend a day in the independent state showcasing some of the best things to do in Monaco without it having to cost you an arm or a leg.
1. Stroll through Old Town
Monaco – Ville, also called Le Rocher (The Rock) is the most historical part of the city. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town where you’ll find small boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also a number of cafes and restaurants in this area. So take your time as your stroll through and take in the sights of the pretty pastel-colored houses that line the streets.
Apart from being one of the more relaxed things to do in Monaco, there are also a number of attractions nearby, including Palais du Prince, Musée Océanographique de Monaco, Jardins Saint-Martin, and St. Nicholas Cathedral.
2. Palais du Prince (The Prince’s Palace)
At the heart of the principality stands the Prince’s Palace which is the current residence of the Prince of Monaco. This Genovese fortress was built in the 13th century and offers panoramic views of Monaco. The Palais du Prince is a private residence but is open to the public between April and October. Visitors can see the State Apartments, the “Blue Room,” which is used for official state events; the Mazarin Room; and the Empire-style Throne Room, where official ceremonies and receptions take place. It’s best to check the official site of the palace to determine opening hours and prices here.
Be sure to admire the main courtyard and the 17th-century Palatine Chapel. Every day at 11.55 am, crowds gather in front of the palace to watch the traditional ritual of the Changing of the Guard. Who knows, if you are lucky enough you may even sneak a peek of the Prince of Monaco. A trip to Monaco wouldn’t be complete without a visit to see where the royalty lives!
From the square where the Palace stands, you’ll find amazing views of the port and all around the coast to where the Casino de Monte-Carlo stands.
3. Marvel at the Monaco Cathedral
Monaco Cathedral also known as St. Nicholas Cathedral is located in the old town and is home to the buried members of the Royal Family. The Roman-Byzantine style building was built in the early 1900s and features a great organ and striking white stones from the village of La Turbie.
The cathedral was home to many royal events such as the wedding of Grace Kelly and Rainier III, the Prince of Monaco and now it houses the tombs of Monaco’s former princes.
The cathedral is free to enter and explore, but like any place of worship, please respect the significance of the site as you wander inside.
4. Monaco Oceanographic Museum
The Oceanographic Museum sits 90 meters above sea level. While I didn’t quite make it into the museum in person, the building from the outside is spectacular in itself. Located on the cliff of The Rock overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, The Oceanographic Museum, nicknamed the Temple of the Sea, is worth going to for the views alone.
The museum was founded by Prince Albert I, who was a pioneer in the world of oceanography and spent much of his life studying the oceans. The museum has over 6000 specimens on display. Inside the museum, you’ll find artifacts, exhibits, and aquariums filled with all sorts of sea life including jellyfish, sharks, clownfish, eels, stonefish, seahorses, and octopuses.
If you have spare time and are traveling with kids to Monaco, this is definitely an attraction to keep in mind.
5. Port de Fontvieille Viewpoint
Right beside the Oceanographic Museum, you’ll find a beautiful park called Jardins de Saint-Martin. The park already offers incredible views over Port de Fontvieille. Keep walking to the end of the park, you will find one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Monaco.
Be sure to have your camera handy as this place offers some of the best views you’ll see during your day in Monaco. In my opinion, it’s one of the best things to do in Monaco without costing you a dime.
6. Stroll through Jardin Exotique
Jardin Exotique is built on the cliffside overlooking the sea and the Principality of Monaco. You’ll find an abundance of exotic cacti and succulents here. The plants are sourced from destinations around the world including Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
There are 7,000 species of plants on show and an Observatory Cave at the base of the cliff. You’ll need to take an official tour with a guide if you’d like to explore the cave. You can easily spend a couple of hours here marveling at the beauty of this place.
7. Monaco Harbor
The harbor is located at the base of Monaco’s famous cliffs. Walk along the Monte Carlo waterfront where you’ll find spectacular views of the Harbor. You’ll see a prestigious Yacht Club and an abundance of luxury yachts belonging to the rich and famous docked there.
The port is a lovely area to stroll or stop for a snack. There are many eateries with outdoor seating to enjoy the beautiful seaside setting. From here, you can also take a boat cruise around Monaco where you can first-hand witness the beautiful coastline.
8. Take a walk along the Formula One Track
On the way to Monte Carlo Casino, you experience something very unique. Something that can be done only in Monaco, and that’s taking a walk along the Formula One Track. It’s a picturesque circuit that sees cars zipping around every May. It’s an incredible experience to walk beside a track that is known worldwide for its Grand Prix.
It takes around 30 minutes to get to Monte Carlo Casino from the Old Town by foot. I’d suggest taking a bus to get to the other side of town if you are not up for the walk. To catch a bus, head back on the Rampe de la Major to the roundabout where you can catch bus line nr. 100. (You can also take a taxi to Monte Carlo but that is the more expensive option). The bus will drop you off 300 meters from the casino but if you choose to do this you will miss walking along the F1 track.
9. Take a few photos at the Casino Square
If you are a James Bond fan then you’ll want to visit Casino Square. It’s one of the most iconic spots in Monaco and is home to the famous Monte Carlo Casino as well as the glamorous Hôtel de Paris. The square definitely has a reputation for opulence.
10. Visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino
A trip to Monaco isn’t complete without a visit to the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. Famously featured in James Bond movies, the casino is incredibly glamourous with its Belle Époque architecture and flashy cars parked outside.
This beautiful casino has been open since 1863 and is also home to the Monaco Ballet and Grand Theatre de Monaco. It’s one of the top things to do in Monaco. Though a smaller casino than the ones in Las Vegas, it’s definitely made its mark in the world.
Even if you aren’t there to gamble, you can enter the casino and wander through the entrance hall. You can take photos in this area. There are a few mock tables set up where you can pose and take photos. No photos are permitted inside the gaming area. There is an entrance fee to enter this area.
It is advisable to dress well or smart casual when visiting the casino, especially if you plan on entering the gaming rooms. You won’t be allowed in shorts, flip-flops, or sandals. You’ll need to be 18 years or over and have your passport or some form of identification with you to enter the gaming rooms.
Fact: In 1856 Prince Charles III of Monaco had a casino built in order to help the economy. Soon after its opening in 1861, he declared the district around it to be Monte-Carlo.
11. Coffee at Cafe de Paris
To the left-hand side of Monte Carlo Casino, is Cafe de Paris. This is probably Monaco’s most famous café and has been around since 1868. It has a large outdoor patio with lots of tables and views of the casino.
Definitely a pricey café, but you’ll find it’s always filled with people sitting outside and having a coffee. Perfect place to people watch and stare at some of those luxury cars rolling in at the casino.
12. Monte Carlo Neighborhood
The Monte Carlo neighborhood has all the glitz and glamour you would expect from Monaco. It’s filled with expensive shopping and high-end restaurants that cater to the rich and famous. The neighborhood overlooks the glistening bay with magnificent views.
13. Japanese Gardens
If time permits make your way to the Japanese Gardens located about ten minutes from the casino. The beautiful lush gardens provide a relaxing zen-like atmosphere and are filled with ponds, waterfalls, lanterns, bridges, and a tea house. It has a unique sense to it as it provides a mix of both Japanese architecture and Mediterranean plant life.
14. Experience the Monaco F1 Circuit in a Ferrari
This is for all those F1 fanatics who have wanted to drive along the French Riviera in a Ferrari. If you have some time left over and if your budget allows, you can treat yourself to an experience of a lifetime.
This Ferrari driving experience allows you to drive along the panoramic roads overlooking Monte Carlo and the Mediterranean sea. Something that’s definitely a worthwhile experience if you are a fan.
15. Attend a Formula One Race
Monaco is famous for its Formula One race that takes place in May every year. The city transforms into a racing track. The circuit runs through the heart of the city providing a thrilling experience for those watching. You definitely have to time your visit to Monaco if you want to witness this event.
Summary
A trip to Monaco is definitely something you should consider if you are visiting the French Riviera. It makes the perfect day trip from Nice and as you can see from the guide above, it’s possible to see all the main attractions within a day.
Hopefully, this guide helps you plan a perfect day trip to Monaco. While you may not stay here, you can still get a taste of how the rich and famous enjoy their time in this independent state. And while you are at it, enjoy some of the best things to do in Monaco.
If you know of any other attractions to visit in Monaco that you think I should add to this list, let me know in the comments below
Happy Travels!
Best Things to Do in Monaco in A Day
- Stroll through Old Town
- Palais du Prince (The Prince’s Palace)
- Marvel at the Monaco Cathedral
- Monaco Oceanographic Museum
- Port de Fontvieille Viewpoint
- Stroll through Jardin Exotique
- Monaco Harbour
- Take a walk along the Formula One Track
- Take a few photos at the Casino Square
- Visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino
- Coffee at Cafe de Paris
- Monte Carlo Neighborhood
- Japanese Gardens
- Experience the Monaco F1 Circuit on a Ferrari
- Attend a Formula One Race
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
