Top Things to Do in Monaco During a Day Trip
The French Riviera is known for its glitz and glamour, and nowhere displays it better than Monaco. Monaco has been on my bucket list for a very long time. Why? The famous Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco Grand Prix, Princess Grace Kelly, mega yachts, and designer shopping. I wanted to see it all – without spending a fortune. I have no regrets taking a day trip to Monaco France!
How to Get to Monaco from Nice France
The quickest way to visit Monaco from Nice is by train. Catch the train at the Nice-Ville station and ride to Gare de Monaco. It is a 25-minute ride.
The #100 public bus leaves the Port of Nice to Monaco on a scenic route. Consider taking it to or returning from Monaco. From Port of Nice to Monaco, sit on the right-hand side; from Place des Moulins Monaco to Nice sit on the left-hand side for the best views. Buses run every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on Sunday. The ride is 45 minutes. Try to time your return trip for sunset.
How to Get Around Monaco
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world! It is walkable, but expect to climb up and down hills several times. Take advantage of every elevator or escalator you stumble upon. Alternatively, the city bus line 1 or 2 will take you to most attractions. Here is a map of the bus line that also indicates where escalators are located. In addition, there is a Monaco Little Train Tour and a Hop-on Hop-off bus in Monaco.
How to Spend Your Day in Monaco
Day Trip to Monaco: Top Things to Do
Wander the Rock of Monaco (old town) taking in all the viewpoints
Watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at 11:55 am in front of the Prince’s Palace
Tour the Prince’s Palace interior apartments
Visit Grace Kelly’s tomb at Saint Nicholas Cathedral
Learn Monaco’s history at the Musée du Vieux Monaco
Check out the view from the Jardins Saint-Martin
Stop to smell the roses at the Princess Grace Rose Garden
Grab a Croque Monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich) from a stall at the Le Marché de la Condamine
Shop for souvenirs on the pedestrian-only Rue Princesses Caroline
Check out the super yachts at Port Hercule
See the HSH The Prince of Monaco’s Vintage Car Collection
Try your luck at the Monte Carlo Casino; be sure to rub the knee of the statue of Louis XIV for good luck
Splurge on a cocktail with a view on the roof of the Fairmont hotel
Stop by the Japanese Gardens
Do some high-end shopping on Avenue de Monte Carlo or the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo
Check out the Monaco Grand Prix’s famous Fairmont Hairpin Turn and walk through the F1 tunnel
Photograph the statue of Grand Prix champion Juan Manuel Fangio
Browse the contemporary art at the New National Museum of Monaco
Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco; don’t miss the rooftop view
Relax at Larvotto Beach
Stop by the Monaco Tourism Office for a Monaco passport stamp
Note: There is a €19 entrance fee to the Monte Carlo Casino. You must present your passport, dress code is enforced (no shorts or running shoes), and gaming begins at 2 pm.
Bookmark and Pin Day Trip to Monaco: Must-See Sights and Experiences
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