Ever since the first time I laid eyes upon Monaco’s Monte Carlo Casino, I dreamed up returning there with more money and a better camera. Unfortunately, when that day finally came 13 years later, an unexpected x-factor awaited me.
“You can’t use that,” the rent-a-cop said, pointed at my tripod, and clearly struggling to breathe after he rushed over from under the main entrance awning to scold me. “Put it away now.”
I did consider for a moment the prospect of ignoring him—he wasn’t a real cop; and anyway I had traveled all the way from Nice to Monaco in order to capture the principality in a way I simply couldn’t back in 2013. But I fell back, and instead proceeded to execute the remainder of the plan I’d made for the day.
Monaco (Probably) Isn’t What You’re Expecting
During my first day trip from Nice to Monaco, I was really flying blind. And not just because I began making my way eastward (my friend and I stopped at the citadel of Èze—more on that place in a second—en route) when I was still relatively hungover, even though that slowed me down, even at a youthful 28. Rather, I simply assumed that because of the kind of traveler I was at the time (poor, frankly), I would feel out of place or even unwelcome in the principality.
Instead, Monaco was strangely accommodation to someone who was, at the time, a backpacker. After briefly exploring the casino and the area around it, myself and my travel companion treated ourselves to cocktails on the beach, people-watching on swanky streets and watched nightfall from the an opulent palace with views of a yacht-filled marina. Apart from the security guard I mentioned in the intro this piece, Monaco was just shockingly welcoming.
How to Structure Your Day Trip to Monaco
Visit Èze on the way in
Back in 2013, I hadn’t actually planned to stop at the hilltop Èze Citadel and its iconic Jardin Éxotique en route to Monaco. However, I’m thankful that the person I was traveling with at the time recommended it—and not just because of how much I enjoyed it then. Stopping here in the morning (when the lighting is best) really is the perfect “appetizer” for an afternoon in Monaco.
Start at the casino
When you finally do arrive in Monaco, however, I recommend setting your GPS for what is unsurprisingly the typical first item on any Monaco itinerary: Monte Carlo Casino. If coming by train, you’ll need to make a short walk; some buses actually stop right in front of the casino. In either case, be quick if you’re going to use a tripod, to avoid the confrontation I describe in the intro to this piece!
Have a swim or a cocktail
On my first day trip to Monaco, I spent some time relaxing on Larvotto Beach, and even had a cocktail (which was surprisingly affordable) there. When I returned I was driving (and therefore couldn’t drink); I also didn’t have time to relax, even though the “heat dome” that had frozen over France at the time meant that doing so would’ve been enjoyable. Needless to say, your mileage may vary!
End at the Prince’s Palace
Visiting the Prince’s Palace and the old town of Le Rocher is unsurprisingly one of the top things to do in Monaco. However, my favorite part of being up here is not the architecture or the historical ambiance, but the view of the yacht-filled Port Hercule, which looks absolutely gorgeous from here. In fact, I think it’s one of the most iconic views in the principality.
To Menton or not to Menton?
Back in 2013, I didn’t continue past Monaco to colorful Menton (basically, a French extension of Cinque Terre) because I just didn’t have time. This year, I actually went there after Èze but before Monaco, though I’m not convinced this is the proper sequence (or that there is one “proper sequence” either). I also don’t think Menton is as necessary to the day trip’s success as Èze, though I’m happy I finally saw it with my own eyes.
Is Monaco Worth Visiting?
Monaco exceeded my expectations in 2013 much more than it did in 2026, but overall is definitely a worthwhile day trip from Nice. It manages to be much more complex than its size would suggest—it really does feel like a separate country, in spite of the fact that it lacks a formal border. Indeed, while both Èze and Menton (which I still recommend visiting) are fabulous, they simply aren’t as impressive of destinations as Monaco.
Now, with this being said, I’m not sure that I would stay in Monaco overnight. It’s a cool place to go for a few hours, but I feel like it could feel stuffy very quickly. Moreover, while prices for incidental tourist experiences are reasonable, I can’t say the same about accommodation, in spite of the fact that hotels along other parts of the French and Italian Rivieras are just objective nicer than what you find here.
Other FAQ About Your Day Trip to Monaco from Nice
How do you get from Nice to Monaco?
Frequent trains connect Nice-Ville Station to Monaco at least once an hour, with a journey of just over 20 minutes one-way. If you end up pairing Monaco with Èze or Menton, however, you may end up traveling by bus in at least one direction, which is just as well—you can expect your travel time to be humane.
Is Monaco a day trip from Nice?
Monaco is a an easy day trip from Monaco! However, to add even more excitement, you can pair it with Èze and Menton, which I recommend visiting in that order before arriving in the principality. They make for a potent three-in-one punch that will perfectly complement whatever time you spend in Nice-proper.
Is a day trip to Monaco worth it?
A day trip to Monaco is definitely worth it, particularly if you combine it with other nearby destinations like Èze and Menton. Doing so allows you not only to visit an entirely different country during a day trip from Nice, but also allows you to see two of the other most beautiful destinations along the entire French Riviera.
The Bottom Line
Making the day trip from Nice to Monaco is worthwhile, even if a rent-a-cop harasses you right as you’re getting the picture you’ve been dreaming of taking. And especially if you combine it with other essential destinations along the eastern flank of the Côte d’Azur, including colorful Menton and the scenic citadel of Èze. I suppose you could also stay the night in Monaco—I’ve considered it one more than one occasion—though I like the day-trip format because of how non-committal it is. Need personalized help charting a course along the French (and, I guess in this case, Monégasque) Riviera? Commission a custom France itinerary today!
