Monaco One Day Itinerary: Everything You Need To Know

Are you wondering what to do in Monaco in one day? Here’s your ultimate guide to seeing Monaco's famous sights.

Visiting Monaco is a must if you are in the South of France, and even though this European principality is tiny, one day in Monaco is an unmissable experience.

See Monaco in one day, and you will discover the glitz and glamour for which this minuscule country is known. Marvel at the supercars and megayachts owned by millionaires and the fashion stores and casinos that entice the rich through their doors.

From strolling through the park, watching the changing of the Palace guards or devouring a Croque Monsieur from one of the roadside stalls to visiting landmarks like the Royal Cathedral. This historic principality has something for every visitor to enjoy.

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Day Trips to Monaco from Nice

It is easy enough to get the train from Nice to Monaco and stroll around on your own. However, for those who prefer a guided tour of Monaco with a visit to the mountainside village of Èze, there are plenty to choose from, as detailed here:

From Nice: Eze, Monaco & Monte Carlo Half-Day Tour.

From Nice: Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Guided Tour.

Nice to Monaco Round-Trip Ferry Tickets.

Best Things to Do in Monaco in One Day

See the Changing of the Guards at the Prince's Palace

Every day at 11.55 a.m., you can make your way up to the Prince's Palace and watch the changing of the guard.

Our ascent to the palace was on foot, but you can also take the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus or the cute tourist train around Monaco.

The panoramic views during the walk were sensational, with plenty of places to photograph Port Hercules.

The changing-of-the-guard ceremony is held in the Place du Palais, the square in front of the royal palace.

The palace has been home to the country's rulers for 700 years, and this ritual has remained unchanged for several centuries. See the cannons in the square dating back to the 17th century.

Prince Albert II of the Royal Family Grimaldi is Monaco's reigning head, and the country is a principality. This means it is ruled over by a prince rather than a King or Queen.

Tours of the Prince's Palace interior are available, although if you are on a day trip to Monaco, it will eat into your time.

Stroll Around the Old Town

Near the palace, the Old Town invites you to explore narrow alleyways and pastel-coloured buildings.

Check out the artisan galleries and gift shops, and capture images of the stunning historical architecture in this part of the city.

Enjoy the views from Jardin Saint Martin

If the prices at the restaurants in Monaco make your eyes water, then take my tip: buy a flan or baguette from one of the stalls by the palace and head to the Jardin Saint Martin.

One of the best places to visit in Monaco, the garden is laid out in a series of pathways on the southwest face of the Rock of Monaco.

We found a bench overlooking Port de Fontvieille and ate lunch there. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Monaco and epitomises everything that is so special about this compact corner of Europe.

We wandered through the gardens and admired the flowers, the views of the sea, and the bronze sculptures scattered among the greenery.

It is a peaceful place to take a moment, read a book, and escape the city's hustle and bustle.

Step inside the Royal St Nicholas Cathedral

St Nicholas Cathedral, also known as Monaco Cathedral, is right by the Jardin Saint Martin and has beautiful architecture inside and out.

It is the final resting place of the Grimaldi Royal family, most recently Grace Kelly and King Rainier III, and was built in 1875. It stands majestically on the site of the country's first parish church, which dates back to 1252.

St Nicholas Cathedral is free to enter, so a good option if you are visiting Monaco on a budget.

Admire the architecture of the Palace of Justice

Stand on the steps of the Palace of Justice for some great photos of the circular courthouse building and palm tree-lined walkway.

See the famous Jacques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum

We continued along the coastline past Monaco's famous Oceanographic Museum. It houses aquariums and interactive exhibits and is packed with everything you want to know about the ocean.

We decided to walk back to the town, but you can also hop on the tourist bus.

Channel your inner racing driver at the Grand Prix Circuit

The Prince's Palace watches over a statue dedicated to the five-time Grand Prix champion Juan Manuel Fangio. It sits on an intersection used during the Grand Prix when the city streets become one massive racecourse.

Watching it on television will be even more exciting now that I've been here.

The main promenade winds around the harbour, which is full of luxury yachts, but when you find out the country has the most millionaires per head in Europe, you can understand why there are so many high-end yachts on display.

Spend a few Euros at the Monte Carlo Casino

The Monte Carlo casino architecture is Art Nouveau-style, with stained glass, sculptures, and a gold-and-marble atrium.

Visitors can gamble in the slot machine area (minimum bet is a few euros) or in the private table area, which requires a higher stake. We bet on the slots for fun and came out only a few euros out of pocket.

Outside the casino, supercars line up, all trying to outdo one another. We saw the luxury brands of Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini, and half expected to come face-to-face with James Bond!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Monaco located? 

Visitors often ask, "Is Monaco in France?" The answer is no. It is located along the French Riviera and flanked on three sides by France, but it is a separate country.

How do you get to Monaco?

You can easily do a day trip to Monaco from Nice by train.

The journey is straightforward and takes about 30 minutes.

Monaco is also close to Menton, one of the most beautiful towns in the South of France.

You could also book an organised Nice-to-Monaco day trip with a professional guide who will tell you more about the country. (See options for tours from Nice further along in this article.)

Flights from the UK are to Nice or direct to Monte Carlo Airport in Monaco, and take approx. 2 hours.

If you want to visit Monaco in style, how about a helicopter transfer from Nice - after all, this is the ultimate playground for the rich!

Is it worth going to Monaco?

If you are wondering what to do in Monaco for a day, you will be in for a pleasant surprise.

Despite being a tiny country, one of the smallest in Europe, the principality has many things to do and see. Visit the Prince's Palace, wander in the Jardin St.Martin and look inside the Monte Carlo Casino.

Why is Monaco famous?

Monaco is most well-known for its wealth. It is home to the super-rich and hosts the Monaco Grand Prix and Yacht Show annually.

Monaco is a tax haven for the people who choose to live there, known as Monégasques; however, there are high corporate tax and VAT rates to pay for businesses in Monaco.

Is Monaco expensive?

Dining can be expensive, depending on where you choose to eat. If you intend to shop in the many boutiques in the city, then be prepared to spend a considerable amount.

If you only visit Monaco for a day, take my advice: buy lunch at the supermarket and have a picnic in a spot with a view.

How many days do you need in Monaco?

The country is tiny. After all, it is the second smallest country in the world, so you can easily see Monaco in a day.

Where to stay in Monaco

Please check out my hotel recommendations below if you want to stay longer and fancy spending a night in Monaco.

As you can imagine, many 5-star Monaco hotels can be found in this millionaire's playground. Still, places like the Hotel Columbus listed below are an alternative for those travellers on a tighter budget.

Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo - 5-star

Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo - 5-star

Port Palace - 4-star

Hotel Columbus - 3-star

Final Thoughts on taking a trip to Monaco

Visiting Monaco for a day is great fun, and you will be able to see all the country's main attractions without feeling rushed; however, visiting Monaco as a weekend city break will give you that little extra time to immerse yourself in its attractions.

Getting the Nice train to Monaco and enjoying a two-centred trip on the French Riviera is easy.

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