Enjoying the South of France? Awesome. Now, one place you should visit on your trip should be Monaco. And if you’re looking for the perfect day trip from Nice to Monaco, read on.
Monaco is one of the best cities to visit when traveling to France, and you simply can’t skip a day trip from Nice.
This is the ultimate guide to planning the best day trips to Monaco from Nice. And in case you want to be comfortable, I’ll go through all the details you need to know, and that applies if you’re coming from Nice, Grasse, or even from Cannes Cruise Port, if you take a cruise.
This trip combines the best of the French Riviera with exciting activities and spectacular scenery. From giving you bird’s-eye views of luxurious yachts in port at Monaco’s famous harbor to weaving through breathtaking mountain passes, this one-way tour promises something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to sightsee or just relax on a sunny afternoon, we’ve got it all mapped out for you.
Day Trip from Nice to Monaco
Before going through more details, let’s give more information about Monaco that you may need as a first-timer in town.
Where is Monaco?
The Principality of Monaco is located in the South of France, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, near the border with Italy, 2 of the best places to visit in Europe!
The Principality is only 0.752 square miles (1.95 square kilometers), making it the second smallest country in the world.
But as they say, dynamite comes in small packages; therefore, expect a big bang from Monaco.
How to Get to Monaco?
There is no airport in Monaco. However, you can still access it via the nearest Nice-Cote d’Azur (NCE) International Airport in France.
By Train
You can reach the main train station from Nice Airport and take the train to Monaco station. The ticket only costs €4.20 one way, and the trip lasts about 20 minutes.
The train station in Monaco is pretty central, so you can easily roam around from here. A word of caution – the train is very packed during the summertime, so I recommend joining a tour from Nice to make the most of it.
By Bus
If you don’t want to spend time in Nice, then bus line 110 can take you straight from Nice Airport (Terminal 2) to Monaco Bay Hotel.
By Helicopter
For luxurious travelers, why not book a premium service? Nice airport offers a helicopter service link to the Monaco Heliport.
The heliport is open to the public and is the fastest way to get from Nice to Monaco. And it only lasts 7 minutes! While different helicopters are available, the cheapest one is around $200, which is pretty reasonable.
Joining a Monaco Day Trip
The most convenient way to spend one day in Monaco is to take a day trip. Not only will you have stunning views from the bus but also time to explore Monaco Ville by yourself, which is nice.
Best Months to Visit Monaco
Monaco has lovely and temperate Mediterranean weather with wet winters and warm dry summers. April and October are the best times to visit Monaco. The weather would be mild and room rates will be reduced.
If you visit in the cooler off-season you can expect fewer tourists and lower room rates, however, the buzz and bustle of Monaco is its star charm.
If you visit in the summer “the high season” you will experience Monaco at its liveliest. Be warned though, the warm weather will invite a lot more tourists, meaning packed beaches, long waits to restaurants (always book in advance), and festivals galore.
Is It Worth Taking a Day Trip to Monaco from Nice?
Yes definitely. A day trip to Monaco with a guide is absolutely worth it, and it’s much better than going by yourself. This tiny principality tucked away in the French Riviera is definitely a sight to behold.
And despite Monaco Monte Carlo being so small, there are lots of things to do and see, and one day is Monaco is sometimes not enough. Your expert guide will take you around Monaco’s best spots and tell you all the stories you should know.
On top of that, public transportation from Nice to Monaco is jam-packed, and traveling in an air-conditioned bus is surely a big plus.
Best-Rated Tour
Best Day Trip to Monaco
- See the most famous spots in Monaco
- By far the best tour from Nice to Monaco
- Comprehensive tour of the French Riviera
Includes
- Expert guide and driver
- Hotel transfers and breakfast
- Stops at a perfumery, Cannes, Monte Carlo
Things to Do on a Day Trip from Nice to Monaco
While Monaco is a pretty small city, there are endless things to do, and these are those you’ll visit while on a day tour. On top of that, don’t forget that you’ll stop quickly on the way in Èze and Villefranche Sur Mer to take stunning photos.
Here are the best things to do on a day trip to Monaco.
Visit Monte Carlo
Explore the Monte Carlo Neighborhood, which is a playground for jet setters, the rich and famous who like to party big and live it up.
Famous since the late 1800s as a luxurious gateway destination for old money, Monte Carlo is now accessible to all who want to have a good time.
See the famous Gold Square (Carré d’Or) with its glamourous restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and hotels. Notable festivals take place here. Check this website to see which ones are coming up.
Of course, you don’t want to miss out on Monte Carlo Casino, the most popular attraction here. They have a strict dress code, so you will want to avoid casual clothes when coming inside.
Alternatively, you can play at the Casino Café de Paris, which has a more flexible dress code.
Casino of Monte Carlo
Play at Casino of Monte Carlo and roll with the big boys and gals. This casino is really cool, especially since it has been in operation since July 1865!
The casino, officially named Casino de Monte-Carlo, is a gambling and entertainment complex with an Opera house and Ballet theatre. Made to thrill, this casino is an architectural beauty, and if gambling is not your thing, just seeing it will leave you satisfied.
There is strict adherence to a dress code too, so get out your best clothes and dress to the nines.
The Monte Carlo Casino is open from 2.00pm to 4.00am, and the entrance fee is 17 euros per person. Note that, on top of playing slot machines, you can visit the casino and you’ll be provided with an audio guide, which adds a layer of interest.
Le Rocher
Visit Le Rocher (the Rock), so named due to its dramatic structure. The rock that this place has its namesake juts out into the sky as if to almost touch it. At the bottom of Le Rocher lies a charming old world untouched by modernity.
As you walk through Le Rocher’s narrow streets, you’ll get to explore an old town from the middle ages which leads to the picturesque Place Saint Nicolas and Placette Bosio, as well as the Chapel of Mercy.
After that, you can get to the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, built on the side of Monaco’s legendary Rocher. The Oceanographic Museum was founded by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco (Prince Albert I’s great-great-grandfather).
The museum has been watching over the oceans for more than a century and is world-renowned for its expertise showcasing more than 6,000 specimens on display.
Palace of Monaco
Take photos at the Palace of Monaco, the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. This palace is decorated in the style associated with King Louis XIV with elegant tapestries and frescoes including a chapel dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The palace was originally constructed in 1215.
Take pictures in the Red Room, the Yellow Room, the Mirror Gallery, and Louis XV’s bedroom. If you go to the palace at exactly 11:55 am you will witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony, a solemn military ritual performed with perfect coordination.
The palace is open from 1 July to August 31 opening from 10 am and closing at 6 pm. Alternatively, visit anytime between September 1st to October 15th, with opening hours from 10 am to 5 pm.
The entrance fee is €10 for adults and €5 for children, but it’s generally included when joining day trips to Monaco, which is excellent.
Exotic Garden of Monaco
Wander around the Exotic Garden of Monaco and see its award-winning beauty. Yes really. Known as Jardin Exotique, it was opened in 1933 and made to bloom with succulents from various arid of the world.
Plants were selected from the South-West of the USA, Mexico, Central and South America for the cactus and agaves; South, Oriental Africa, and Arabian Peninsula for the other succulents.
Many cacti produce big colored flowers appearing during the daytime. Hence the name “exotique”! Take splendid photographs to bring stunning memories back home.
At the base of the Exotique Garden’s cliff is a cave that was fitted out for visitors. The rock was hollowed out by water rich in carbon dioxide, creating amazing concretions: stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, columns, spaghetti-like helictites, and more.
The cave tour is included in the price of admission to the Exotic Garden and is given by specialists. It goes approximately 300 steps in elevation. The cavity descends nearly to sea level and is a favorite spot for local spelunkers.
The Exotic Garden of Monaco is open all year, except November 19 (National Day) and December 25. The entrance fee costs €7.20 per person, but again, it’s normally included when joining a day tour from Nice.
Plage du Larvotto
Chill at Plage du Larvotto with its picture-perfect beaches and views everywhere you go. Famed for having one of the most expensive and exclusive places for real estate.
Walk down Avenue Princess Grace, named after legendary Hollywood actress turned Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. People love staying here because of the waterfront access as well as nearby casinos.
History of Monaco
Originally a part of France, the region of Monaco was used for cultivating fruit and olive trees. Then in 1861, it became an independent state. This happened because of the Franco-Monegasque Treaty that officially recognized the country’s sovereignty.
Soon after, in 1863, the Monte Carlo Casino was constructed and in 1864 the Hotel de Paris was opened by Charles III as a grand destination for visitors to stay. As time went on more hotels, restaurants and shops mushroomed to cater to wealthy visitors.
In 1878 a railway link was established between France and Monaco, enabling more visitors to access the Principality and enjoy the casinos and lavish offerings.
Income taxes were scrapped and favorable tax conditions were implemented to encourage people to spread their wealth around the many amenities in Monaco.
Where to Stay in Nice
Now that you know more about this day trip from Nice to Monaco, let’s go through the accommodation options to make the most of your time in town.
Luxury: Hotel Le Negresco
Overlooking the beach and Promenade des Anglais, Hotel Le Negresco in Nice boasts individually decorated rooms with period furniture, air conditioning, and modern amenities.
Enjoy a buffet breakfast at La Rotonde, drinks at the British bar, and gourmet dining at Michelin-star Le Chantecler. Benefits include a fitness center, private beach access (extra cost), and private parking.
It’s just a short walk from Nice’s Old Town and the airport is 5 km away, which is very convenient.
Mid-Range: Ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare
Ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare, close to Nice-Ville Train Station, offers beach-themed, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Guests can enjoy a sunny terrace, free toiletries, and included breakfast.
The hotel it features a 24-hour front desk, computer access, and free bicycle storage. The Promenade des Anglais and beach are nearby, with easy airport access via tram. Public parking is available close by.
Budget: ibis budget Nice Californie Lenval
Just 100 metres from the beach, ibis budget Nice Californie Lenval offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. The hotel provides a 24-hour reception, all-you-can-eat breakfast with cereals and pastries, and is near restaurants and bars.
Additional amenities include luggage storage, ironing facilities, and vending machines. Located near Polyclinique Santa Maria and Nikaia Auditorium, with convenient underground public parking.
Conclusion
The Principality of Monaco is an extraordinary place to visit- one that boasts glamorous views, vibrant social scenes, and a rich history. But a word of advice, be sure to have your hotel, tour, and restaurant bookings well in advance.
Now, get ready to feel like a star as you make a splash in the rich man’s paradise!
