Monaco is a perfect day trip to take from Nice or any other town along the French Riviera you happen to be staying. On my day trip to Monaco I had left later in the day than expected and ended up having only half a day to spend in Monaco, but I feel I got to see all that was on my list of things to do and see in Monaco. Monaco is a mecca for luxury cars and superyachts.
History
Monaco is one of the second smallest countries in the world after Vatican City and is known as a micro-nation. It is only .75 sq miles. Currently, it is ruled by the Grimaldi family who has ruled over Monaco for over 700 years! The Grimaldi is the oldest royal family still ruling. Back in 1297 an Italian noble named Francois Grimaldi disguised himself and his soldiers as monks and took over the fortress in Monaco. The current Prince Albert of Monaco is a direct descendant of Francois Grimaldi. It is incredible how the same royal family of this micro-nation is still standing strong today when so many monarchies all over Europe fell.
How to get to Monaco from Nice
The easiest and fastest way to get to Monaco is by taking the train. If you are leaving from Nice, you can take the train from Nice’s train station to Monaco- Monte Carlo station. I booked my ticket the same day, but if you like, you can book it in advance. The train station is packed during the summer with people booking their tickets directly from the ticket kiosks, so try to get there thirty minutes beforehand to get time to board the train. Trains frequently leave towards the direction of Monaco, so if you miss one train, you can easily take another. The trip takes around 25 minutes.
How to get around Monaco
Monaco is a walkable area, and an ideal place for a day trip from Nice. But, if you like to get around faster the easiest thing to do it to use their public transportation. When you exit Monaco’s train station, there is a ticket kiosk to buy your bus ticket for the day. You have an option to buy a one-way pass or a day pass. It doesn’t cost much, so I recommend you buy the day pass. There is a Monaco Bus app I would recommend everyone to download while visiting. But, overall the bus system is straightforward to understand.
Top Things To See and Do
1. Visit Monte-Carlo Casino
When you think of Monaco, the iconic casino in Monte-Carlo has to come to mind. It is the epitome of old world glitz and glamour. If you would like to try your luck at the gambling tables, there is an entrance fee like a club just to enter the gaming rooms. But, if you wish to tour the non-gaming rooms, the casino offers tours. Tours are offered before one. There is a dress code for visiting the casino and playing at the casino which everyone should read before they go. https://www.montecarlosbm.com/en/casino-monaco/casino-monte-carlo/gaming-room/salle-europe
Fun Fact: Monaco citizens are not allowed to gamble or go inside their famous casino( Monaco residents can work there though). The government wants visitors to gamble away their money, not their wealthy citizens.
2. Have a drink or lunch at Brasserie du Cafe de Paris Monte-Carlo
One of my favorite drinks I discovered while in Paris was the Monaco. A Monaco is made up of light beer, grenadine, and sprite. It’s basically an adult Shirly Temple and is sweet. I hate beer, but I loved having a Monaco in Monaco. Café de Paris is in the perfect location right by Monte-Carlo to have a meal/drink, and people watch. The restaurant has indoor seating and outdoor seating with different set of menus. I wanted to sit outside and opted for their cafe menu. But, I thought everything was tasty.
3. Prince’s Palace Monaco
The current palace is where the original fortress was built back in 1215. Visitors can tour the State Apartments from April to June and from September to October. https://www.palais.mc/en/museum-and-visits/the-state-apartments-1-26.html
4. Saint Nicholas Cathedral / Cathédrale de Notre-Dame-Immaculée
Saint Nicholas Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral that is the resting place of the Grimaldi family including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III. It is located in a great spot at the top of Monaco with beautiful views.
5. Walk through old town Monaco
Old town Monaco has charming side streets, and narrow alleys filled with pastel-colored buildings.
6. Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
The aquarium is in a breathtaking location on a rock right on top of the sea. If you love aquariums and have the time, I would say it would be nice to visit the aquarium in Monaco.
7. Take the Petit Train around Monaco
My favorite thing to do if you are in a rush while visiting, or simple want to get an overview of Monaco before exploring yourself.