Yachts, ritzy casinos, and eye-watering prices for a simple cafe lunch: When I thought about visiting Monaco while in the French Riviera, my first thought was how much would it cost me? Digging deeper, I discovered another side to Monacoโa day trip version that skips the splurges and pricey extras with a focus on Monaco’s history, nature, and culture. The cheapest way to visit Monaco from Nice is by train. The train follows the coastline, so you get to enjoy beautiful ocean views along the way. Once you arrive in Monaco – Monte Carlo (the only station in Monaco), venture off on foot to get to know a quieter, affordable side of the Monaco.
From strolling the port and admiring yachts from afar to exploring the Prince’s palace and learning about its eco-friendly restoration methods, here’s my budget-friendly day trip to Monaco from gay-friendly Nice, France guide.
Why Visit Monaco?
Tiny Monaco was founded as a fortress in the 13th century, and has been a favorite destination of the wealthy for centuries. Today, Monaco known for its incredible wealth, tax-free living, and glamorous lifestyle.
With major attractions like the Monte Carlo Casino, seen in James Bond films like GoldenEye Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, the principality is a favorite of the ultra wealthy. You can do up Monaco on a celebrity budget, betting big in the casino and shopping the high street. But you don’t have to do those things to enjoy a day trip from Nice to Monaco.
If like me you prefer active travel experiences that teach you a bit about a place’s history and culture, Monaco offers plenty of unique experiences.
Best of all, there are multiple ways to save money in a Monaco.
Day Trip from Nice to Monaco on a Budget
Just by taking the train to Monaco, you’re skipping the pricey parking fees. But there are other ways to save on a day trip from Nice to Monaco. Here’s how I did Monaco in one day for less:
- Bundle attractions to save – A combined ticket to the aquarium and Prince’s Palace saved me money. Depending on what interests you, there are lots of discount ticket offers that let you save money in Monaco.
- Use the French Riviera Pass – Monaco attractions are included in the popular French Riviera Pass, which also gets you into other museums, gardens, and experiences near Nice, including perfume tours of Grasse! The French Riviera Pass website offers a calculator you can use to determine which pass makes the most sense based on what you want to see and lists what activities are currently included in the pass, since things can cycle in and out. I used a 48-hour French Riviera Pass to see Nice, Eze, and Cap Ferrat and did Monaco separately.
- Eat Like a Local – I expected high-end restaurants and prix fixe menus in Monaco, so I was delighted when I found a vegan-friendly cafe near the Prince’s Palace that was cheaper than restaurants in Nice. There were lots of crepe places nearby that would’ve also been cheap for lunch. Skip the high-end restaurants and find local spots on the outskirts of Monacoโs main tourist areas. Or pack a picnic lunch, which I did on most days.
- Explore for Free: Some of Monacoโs best spots donโt cost a dime. Outside the Princeโs Palace, you can watch the Changing of the Guard for free. And while the Monte Carlo Casino costs around โฌ17โ19, it’s free to visit the atrium inside (until 2 p.m.) You can also avoid the admission fee if you have a restaurant reservation.
Is a Day Trip from Nice to Monaco Worth It?
Visiting southern France, I knew I had to visit Monaco. I’m always tempted to cross a border if I’m near it.
I also wanted to make sure I was going to enjoy the day trip, not just cross a border to add another country to my list.
For me, that meant looking beyond the affluence of glittering casinos and huge yachts to find things that appealed to me.
After a day spent walking around, snapping photos, and learning about the royal family’s commitment to sustainability and conservation, I can say wholeheartedly โ YES, Monaco is worth a visit if you’re exploring the Riviera.
Looking for more French Riviera ideas? Check out my full itinerary.
How to Get to Monaco From Nice
Skip the car and take public transit.
- By Train
The quickest and easiest way. Trains from Nice-Ville to Monaco-Monte Carlo take about 15โ25 minutes and leave every 30 minutes. Trains run all the way to Ventimiglia, Italy, so you can combine a day trip to Monaco with dinner in Italy, or visit the adorable Riviera town of Menton, known for the Menton lemon!- Heading from Nice to Monaco, sit on the right side of the train for the best coastal views!
- Be prepared for crowds on the train!
- By Bus
The #607 bus from Nice Port takes you straight into Monaco for just $3.- Buses run frequently throughout the day.
- Buses can be delayed due to highway traffic.
- By Ferry (Summer Only)
This summer-only option costs around $53 roundtrip, with a departure from Nice at 9:30 a.m. and return trip from Monaco at 5:00 p.m. Youโll get a unique view of the Rivieraโs coastline and the ferry is a lovely journey, but it’s pricier. Plus, it only runs three days a week โ Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- Guided Tour
- Do you want someone to take you to all the best spots in Monaco and do the planning for you, so you can relax? Book a full day Monaco tour (plus Eze, which has a fantastic cactus garden) and let someone else sweat the details.
Can You Drive in Monaco? How Much Does it Cost to Park?
Yes, you can drive to Monaco from Niceโitโs a quick 20-30 minute trip depending on traffic. But parking in Monaco is pricey and space is limited, so I don’t recommend it
Most parking lots in Monaco charge the same rates. The first hour is free. A two-hour stay will cost โฌ7 and a four-hour stay will cost โฌ14.50. The daily maximum rate is โฌ20.00.
Thinking you’ll save money by visiting on Sunday, or parking on the street. Forget it โ no street parking unless your car has Monaco plates. Review Monaco parking regulations and plan ahead.
Is a Day Trip to Monaco Enough Time?
Yes! Monaco is small enough that you can see everything in a day. Especially now, while the Jardin Exotique is closed.
Wondering when the famous garden to open? It’s expected to open at the end of summer 2025.
What to See in Monaco
With ther exception of the Casino and the Jardin Exotique, all of these attractions are in Monaco Ville, or Le Rocher/The Rock.
Several buses circulate around Monaco, but we opted for the walk so we could see more. From the train station, it’s a long walk to Le Rocher. Once you get there, you can see almost all the sights before walking back to the station.
Monaco-Ville / Le Rocher
Many of Monaco’s top attractions are on Le Rocher which means the Rock. It’s the old part of town. Walk up the scenic (and steep) Rampe Major, which offers views of the harbor as you ascend. On top of Le Rocher in Monaco Ville, narrow streets are packed with charming shops and budget eats.
Musรฉe Ocรฉanographique
Sitting on a cliff above the sea, the Musรฉe Ocรฉanographique is a hidden gem in Monaco. Founded in 1910 by Prince Albert I, this aquarium doubles as a natural history museum packed with finds from decades of ocean expeditions. Growing up visiting the New England Aquarium, I am usually disappointed by most other aquariums, even ones that make “best of” lists. Not so this time. To me, Monaco’s aquarium was an absolute steal for 19โฌ. I would have paid much more to see the unusual anemones, coral species, shark egg casings, and sea turtles. Thereโs also a virtual reality Arctic exploration exhibit for a little adventure and displays about the history of oceanographic exploration and Monacoโs conservation efforts.
Prince’s Palace
The home of Monacoโs royal family, the Grimaldis, the Princeโs Palace is a mix of history and elegance. An audio guide explains the historical significance of furnishings, the purpose of different rooms, and the history of the principality as you tour the state apartments, the art gallery, and the library.
Look out for videos showing the palaceโs restoration efforts to the amazing Italian renaissance frescoes that adorn the palace faรงade. Check the hours first, thoughโitโs open seasonally!
By chance, I happened to visit on Monaco’s Liberation Day, September 3. The square was filled with old US army tanks, staging a reenactment of Monaco’s liberation by US forces.
Year round, changing of the guard takes place in the square outside the palace at 11:55 a.m. Stop and watch if you’re in the area.
Monaco Cathedral (Cathรฉdrale de Monaco)
Halfway between the aquarium and the Prince’s Palace is this gem of a cathedral. Many of Monacoโs royals, including Princess Grace and Prince Rainier, are buried inside. The architecture is a beautiful blend of Byzantine and Romanesque styles. It’s worth a quick visit inside.
Casino de Monte Carlo
The iconic Monte Carlo Casino from the Bond films is open to visitors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for tours. After 2 p.m., itโs all about gaming. The casino is a stunner that might remind you of the glitzy Garnier Opera House in Paris; it was designed by the same architect. Pony up โฌ19 for casino admission, or just admire the outside and the view from the atrium to save money.
Jardin Exotique
The Jardin Exotique sits on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean, filled with over 1,000 species of succulents and cacti, many brought from Mexico nearly a century ago. Right now, garden is closed for renovations, but you can visit the greenhouses, where they cultivate succulents. Nearby Eze has a Jardin Exotique that was inspired by Monaco’s famous garden, so it makes a nice substitute โ check out the views!
Cheap Eats in Monaco
After bracing myself for sticker shock, I was pleasantly surprised to find cheap food in Monaco. I snagged a delicious vegan sandwich near the Princeโs Palace that didnโt break the bankโtotally on par with other spots along the French Riviera.
Here are a couple of places where you can eat well without overspending:
- Marchรฉ de la Condamine (Place dโArmes) – This food court is a favorite of budget travelers. With a variety of options, even picky eaters can find something tasty.
- Cafรฉ de Paris (Monte Carlo) – A casual cafe with an outdoor terrace ideal for people watching!
So, if youโre heading to Monaco and worried about food costs, donโt be. There are plenty of spots where you can enjoy tasty meals without the hefty price tag.
I hope this guide helps you plan an incredible Monaco day trip while setting realistic (and refreshing) expectations around what it can be like to spend a day in Monaco. In all honesty, I found Monaco both less expensive and more enjoyable than Nice. Nice had some fabulous museums, but it was crowded, expensive, and difficult to get around on foot. Check out these other French Riviera posts for more south of France vacation idea, including Marseille!
