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 Monaco—a 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 Nice guide.