One Day in Monaco: Perfect Monaco Itinerary from Nice
One Day in Monaco: Making the Most of Your Time to Visit
I used Nice, France as my gateway to Monaco due to the expensive cost of hotels in the tiny principality. The day before my one-day visit to Monaco, I tried visiting by taking the train from Nice Saint-Augustin Station to Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station. As the train skipped stop after stop—including Monaco—I knew something was wrong. It turned out that, due to the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, no trains were stopping east of Nice or in Monaco. After what felt like hours, the train finally stopped, and I was able to catch a train back to Nice. Once back at my hotel, I began planning my itinerary for my one day in Monaco.
Quick Answer: Can you see Monaco in one day?
Yes. With smart routing from Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station, you can cover the Monte-Carlo Casino, Port Hercule, the Prince’s Palace, Port de Fontvieille, the Monaco Cathedral, and Saint-Martin Gardens in about eight hours—with time for photo stops and breaks.
Since I was only able to spend one day in Monaco, I had to fit in as many activities as possible. While most travelers would prefer more time to visit Monaco, it’s absolutely possible to see the highlights in one day.
For travelers unfamiliar with Monaco, it is the second-smallest country in the world (after Vatican City) and one of the most densely populated places on earth. The entire country covers 2.02 km² (0.78 sq mi), which makes it possible to see much of it in a single day. If you’re deciding on things to do in Monaco in one day, this Monaco travel guide prioritizes the can’t-miss sights while keeping the route walkable and efficient.
One Day in Monaco: Making the Most of 24 Hours - Table of Contents
- Visiting Monaco – Making the Most of Your Time
- Getting to Monaco by Train
- Walking East – Towards Monte Carlo
- Walking West- Towards the Ports
- Port Hercule
- Royal Palace of Monaco
- Port de Fontvieille
- Monaco Cathedral
- Oceanographic Museum Area
- Sainte-Martin Gardens
- Practical Tips: Restrooms, Sundial & Final Stops
- Ending My Visit
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Monaco Tours
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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How to Get to Monaco from Nice (Train Guide for a Monaco Day Trip from Nice)
If you’re planning a Monaco day trip from Nice, the easiest way to get to Monaco is by TER regional train. There are dozens of daily departures, and tickets are typically around €4–€7 one way.
After purchasing my train ticket to Monaco, I departed from Nice Saint-Augustin Station. This time, the train from Nice to Monaco made all the regular stops, including Monaco-Monte-Carlo, which is the only station in Monaco.
Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station would be the starting point for my one day in Monaco, which I hoped would allow me to see the entire country in a day.
Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station: Your Starting Point
Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station is one of the nicest train stations along the French Riviera. In addition to its sleek design, it has a ticket office, ticket machines, places to eat, and shops/services.
Walking East to the Monte-Carlo Casino
I exited Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station and walked down a steeply inclined path toward Port Hercule, in the center of Monaco.
As I continued down the path, I passed a small church—a handy landmark for finding the station.
A few minutes later, I exited the path and was greeted by the urban density of Monaco, one of the most crowded countries in the world. I had a choice of walking west toward Port Hercule or east toward the Monte-Carlo Casino.
Port Hercule, the Port de Fontvieille, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, and the Monaco Cathedral are all located to the west. The Monte-Carlo Casino is located to the east. I decided to go east first and save the better-known tourist sights for the afternoon of my one day in Monaco—perfect if you’re mapping outthings to do in Monaco in one day before you turn west for the palace and ports.
As I headed east toward the Monte-Carlo Casino, I stopped to take a few pictures of Port Hercule and the Palace of Monaco. Port Hercule is the most famous sight in Monaco, and I took over 100 photos of the port alone.
On top of a large bluff sits the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. I left time in my one-day Monaco itinerary to view Port Hercule and the Palace up close later.
Flag of Monaco
Monaco is an independent nation that is not part of France. The tiny country has its own flag, which is proudly displayed everywhere. As I walked east toward the Monte-Carlo Casino, I couldn’t go more than a few steps without seeing the red and white rectangles of the flag of Monaco.
As mentioned earlier, Xi Jinping, the President of China, was visiting Monaco the day prior, so there were many Chinese flags mixed in with Monegasque flags.
Monte-Carlo Casino
Eventually, I reached the Monte-Carlo Casino, one of Monaco’s most famous buildings. Monaco residents do not pay personal income tax, a policy supported by a broader mix of state revenues (including VAT, fees, and state enterprises such as the casino group). I didn’t go inside the Monte-Carlo Casino during my one-day visit.
Casino Gardens & Mediterranean Views
Even if you don’t plan to go inside the Monte-Carlo Casino, it’s still worth visiting. Walking the casino gardens provided excellent views of the casino, interesting plants and sculptures, and great vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.
The furthest point east that I walked during my one-day visit to Monaco was the Fairmont Hotel and casino area. For those making the most of a one-day Monaco itinerary, I recommend turning around here.
Walk West: Port Hercule, the Palace & Fontvieille
After retracing my steps, I was back at my starting point near Port Hercule. It was now time to walk west, toward the ports and the palace.
It was time to head west toward the main attractions in Monaco: Port Hercule, the Port de Fontvieille, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, and the Monaco Cathedral.
Monaco Grand Prix Touches You’ll Notice
As I walked toward Port Hercule, I stopped to photograph a sculpture of a Grand Prix car. Monaco is famous for the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix, which runs through city streets. One day, I hope to visit during the Monaco Grand Prix.
Little Moments & Street Details
Continuing toward Port Hercule, I spotted an interesting children’s slide—a fun note if you’re visiting with kids. Near the port, there was a large display of Chinese and Monegasque flags due to the state visit. Because Monaco is so small, it’s easy to get around, and many small electric cars line the streets with charging stations throughout the city.
As I entered the area next to the Port, there was a large display of flags of China and Monaco. It seemed to be a huge deal that the President of China was visiting this tiny country.
Exploring Port Hercule (Lower & Upper Piers)
Port Hercule is the large, central port and one of the best-known places in Monaco. There are multiple ways to explore it, including a lower walkway that goes out into the harbor and an elevated upper walkway that resembles a pier.
Lower Pier: Ships, Sailboats & Yachts
I started on the lower walkway and ventured out into Port Hercule, where I could look closely at the ships, sailboats, and yachts. Some of the yachts were ultra-modern, while others were classic.
Crowded Monaco From the Pier
As I ventured farther down into Port Hercule, I was a little worried I was in a restricted area. I didn’t see many tourists, but none of the security staff said anything to me.
At the edge of the pier, I pulled out my zoom lens to capture detailed photos of the buildings. These pictures really show how crowded Monaco is.
I also was able to get a great picture of the Monte Carlo Casino. The edge of the pier provided an excellent view of Port Hercule looking back towards the center of Monaco. This image is not a picture that I often find online when I search “Monaco.” I was proud that I was able to figure out how to get to the edge of the pier to get these pictures.
Upper Pier & Next Steps
I eventually found the stairs to the upper walkway. As I walked back toward the start of Port Hercule, I decided my next stop would be the Prince’s Palace of Monaco. Some yachts were massive—one even looked like a small cruise ship. I continued to the end of the pier, then turned and walked up the hill toward the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.
There was an interesting ship trying to drop a claw into the Mediterranean to retrieve something. The vessel was struggling to stay in one place due to high wind. I wondered what the ship was trying to recover.
Prince’s Palace & Changing of the Guard (11:55 a.m.)
How to Walk from Port Hercule to the Palace
The Prince’s Palace sits atop a hill overlooking Port Hercule. The climb isn’t steep; it’s a gradual incline. Along the way, I passed an international school, benches for resting, and public restrooms. There are many spots for beautiful photos of the port and the densely stacked buildings. Near the top, a castle-like tower appears; from there it’s just a few stairs before the Palace comes into view.
Changing of the Guard
The Prince’s Palace is home to the royal family and is under ceremonial guard 24/7. While I was taking pictures, the changing of the guard took place—daily at 11:55 a.m. The ceremony involves a small detachment of Carabinieri in seasonal white or black uniforms.
Throughout the palace area, there are many historic cannons with stacks of cannonballs—fun ambiance, even if purely ceremonial.
Best Viewpoints of Port Hercule
Just beside the Prince’s Palace, a platform provides one of the best and most famous views of Port Hercule. After a few more pictures, I set off down the path toward Monaco’s secondary port, Port de Fontvieille. This stop is a highlight on any one day in Monaco itinerary.
Port de Fontvieille & Rooftop Gardens
The Port de Fontvieille is smaller but very picturesque, with colorful buildings, rooftop gardens, and large yachts moored in front. It sits in a sheltered position protected by the Rock of Monaco and a massive seawall. From above, I found a path that leads to the Monaco Cathedral and follows the edge of the port.
A Lack of Green Space in Monaco
Because space is limited, many buildings feature rooftop gardens and trees. I zoomed in for photos of the rooftop gardens near Port de Fontvieille. Before heading to the Monaco Cathedral, I grabbed one last photo of Port de Fontvieille.
Monaco Cathedral
Another very famous building is the Monaco Cathedral—home to royal weddings and the burial places of many princes and princesses. It’s free to visit. Photos are allowed inside as long as you don’t use flash. Visitors follow a predetermined path around the cathedral, ending near the royal tombs. My entire visit took about 15 minutes.
Oceanographic Museum (If You Have Time)
One building I didn’t have time to enter—but wish I had—is the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. With limited time, I skipped it since I’ve visited similar museums elsewhere. Outside the museum, there’s a submarine you can follow on Instagram and an interesting octopus statue. There was also a company offering tours on a tiny tourist train. Eight-year-old me would have begged to ride it; thirty-six-year-old me almost did.
Sainte-Martin Gardens
Below the Oceanographic Museum are the Saint-Martin Gardens. On my way back toward Port de Fontvieille, I walked through the gardens—highlights included a rainbow-colored eagle, sculptures, statues, and lots of blooming flowers.
The garden path ends near Port de Fontvieille, offering a slightly different angle for photos.
Practical Tips: Restrooms, Sundial & Final Stops
Public restrooms are plentiful, free, and very clean. Attendants often have a tip jar; I tipped €1 each time.
Monaco Sundial
An interesting stop near Port de Fontvieille is the Fontvieille sundial (Cadran solaire de Fontvieille)—a gnomonic display that casts shadows across stone dials (clouds can obscure it).
Port de Fontvieille Area
My final stop took me down to Port de Fontvieille. Not only did it provide excellent views of the Prince’s Palace, it also offered a new perspective on the port.
Prince of Monaco's Automobile Collection
If you enjoy cars, don’t miss the Car Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco—now housed in a modern space near the Rainier III water sports stadium.
The End of My One-Day Visit to Monaco
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Monaco Tours and Packages
When visiting Monaco, I don’t think a tour is necessary. That said, some travelers prefer guided experiences. Below are tour options (affiliate). If you book via my Viator links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost—thank you for supporting my work.
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