One Day in Monaco – How to See the Entire Country in One Day
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 had tried to visit by taking the train from Nice Saint-Augustine Station to Monaco-Monte Carlo Station. As the train skipped stop after stop, including my stop in 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 seemed like hours, the train eventually 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.
Since I was only able to spend one day in Monaco, I had to cram as many activities into my visit as possible. While ideally, a tourist would typically want more time to visit Monaco, it is possible to visit Monaco in one day.
For travelers unfamiliar with Monaco, it is the second smallest country in the world, behind only the Vatican City. Monaco is the wealthiest country in the world per capita and also the most crowded country in the world. The entire country is only 1.5 x 1 miles in area, which made it possible to see the entire country in one day.
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 from Above
- Monaco Cathedral
- Oceanographic Museum Area
- Monaco Sundial
- Port de Fontvieille Area
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Monaco Tours
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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How to Take the Train from Nice to Monaco
The easiest way to get to Monaco from Nice, France, is to take the train. There are over 25 daily departures from Nice to Monaco. In addition to having frequent trips between these two jewels of the French Riveria, tickets are also reasonably priced at just over €5.
After purchasing my train ticket to Monaco, I departed from Nice Saint-Augustine Station. This time, the train from Nice to Monaco made all the regular stops, including a stop at 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 would hopefully allow me to see the entire country in one day.
The Gateway to Monaco - Monaco-Monte Carlo Station
Monaco-Monte Carlo Station is the fanciest of the train stations in the French Riviera. In addition to its glamorous appearance, Monaco-Monte Carlo Station had a full ticket office, numerous places to eat, and souvenir shops.
How to Walk from Monaco-Monte Carlo Station to Port Hercule
I exited Monaco-Monte Carlo Station and walked down a steeply inclined path toward Port Hercule, which is in the center of Monaco.
As I continued down the path from Monaco-Monte Carlo Station to Port Hercule, I passed a small church. This church is a helpful location maker for finding Monaco-Monte Carlo Station.
A few minutes later, I exited the path and was greeted by the urban sprawl of Monaco, the most crowded country in the world. I had a choice of either walking west towards Port Hercule or east towards the Monte Carlo Casino,
Port Hercule, the Port of Fontvieille, the Royal Palace of Monaco, and the Monaco Cathedral are all located to the west. The Monte Carlo Casino is located to the east. I figured I would go east first and save the better-known tourist sights for the afternoon of my one day in Monaco.
One Day in Monaco: Heading East from Port Hercule Towards the Monte Carlo Casino
As I headed east towards 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 Royal Palace of Monaco. I would have time saved in my one-day Monaco itinerary to view Port Hercule and the Royal Palace of Monaco up close.
Flag of Monaco
Monaco is an independent nation that is technically not part of France. The tiny nation of Monaco has its own flag, which is proudly displayed all over the tiny country. As I walked east towards 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 I stated earlier, Xi Jinping, the President of China was visiting Monaco the day prior. There were many Chinese Flags mixed in with the flag of Monaco.
Monte Carlo Casino
Eventually, I came to the Monte Carlo Casino, one of the most famous buildings in Monaco. Thanks to income from the Monte Carlo Casino, citizens of Monaco do not have to pay income tax. I did not go inside the Monte Carlo Casino during my one-day visit to Monaco.
Monte Carlo Casino Gardens
Even if you do not plan on going inside the Monte Carlo Casino, it is still worth visiting. Walking the Monte Carlo Casino’s garden provided excellent views of the casino as well as some interesting plants and sculptures. There were also great views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The furthest point to the east that I walked during my one-day visit to Monaco was the Fairmont Hotel and Casino. For those making the most of a one-day Monaco itinerary, I recommend turning around when you reach the casino.
Walking Back to Port Hercule
After retracing my steps, I was back at my starting point near Port Hercule. It was now time to walk west, towards the ports and palace.
One Day in Monaco: Walking West Towards Port Hercule and the Palace of Monaco
It was now time to head to the west towards the main attractions in Monaco. These attractions included Port Hercule, the Port of Fontvieille, the Royal Place of Monaco, and the Monaco Cathedral.
Grand Prix Racing and Monaco
As I walked towards Port Hercule, I stopped to take a picture of a sculpture of a Grand Prix Car. Monaco is famous for having Grand Prix races through the city streets. One day, I hope to visit Monaco for the famous Monaco Grand Prix
Interesting Sights in Monaco
Continuing toward Port Hercule, I spotted an interesting children’s slide. I noted the location of it in case I ever visit Monaco with my nieces or nephews.
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.
Since Monaco is such a tiny country, it is not difficult to get around. Because of this, many small cars line the streets. The car pictured below was the fanciest tiny car I have ever seen. Most of the small cars run on electricity and charging stations were numerous.
Port Hercule - Monaco's Most Famous Port
Port Hercule is the large port and most well-known place in Monaco. There are many different ways to explore the port including a lower walkway that goes out into the harbor area and an elevated walkway that resembles a pier.
Sightseeing in Port Hercule - Ships, Sailboats, and Yachts from the Lower Pier
I chose to start on the lower walkway and venture out into the Port Hercule. Here, I was able to walk right out into the harbor and look at the ships, sailboats, and yachts.
Some of the yachts docked in Port Hurcule were super fancy, and high tech and others looked like more traditional yachts.
Crowded Monaco from Port Hercule
As I ventured further down into Port Hercule, I was a little worried that I was in a restricted area. I did not see many tourists, but none of the security people said anything to me.
As I walked towards the edge of the pier, I thought it would be a good time to take out my zoom lens and get some detailed pictures of some of the buildings. These pictures truly 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.
Walking the Upper Pier at Port Hercule
It took a minute to find the stairs to go up to the upper walkway on the pier. As I walked back towards the start of Port Hercule, I decided my next stop would be the Royal 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.
Some of the yachts in Port Hercule were pretty impressive. I was not sure if this one was a cruise ship or someone’s private yacht. Regardless, it was spectacular to see.
I continued to walk to the end of the pier and then took a turn and walked up the hill towards the Royal Palace of Monaco.
The Royal Palace of Monaco - Some of the Best Views in Monaco
How to Walk from Port Hercule to the Royal Palace of Monaco
The Royal Palace of Monaco is located at the top of a large hill overlooking Port Hercule. The climb was not steep as it is a very slow incline. As I walked up the hill, I passed an International School. As I continued to walk up the hill, I came across benches for resting and public restrooms.
Along the way, there are many additional spots to get beautiful photos of the Port and the crowded buildings that surround it.
When nearing the top of the hill, a castle-like tower will appear. From this point, it is just up a few stairs, and then the Palace will become visible.
Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace of Monaco
The Royal Palace of Monaco is home to the royal family and is under ceremonial guard 24 hours a day. While I was taking pictures of the Palace, the changing of the guard took place.
The changing of the guard ceremony only involves three people, two soldiers, and a commander. The commander yells commands and the soldiers go through a ceremonial ritual. Upon completion, the guard that was on duty prior is released and the new guard takes his place in the tiny building where he will stand guard.
Throughout the Palace Area, there are many cannons with piles of cannon balls. I do not believe they are set up in case of attack, but it did make me feel secure in knowing this tiny nation is prepared for an attack, even though cannons are fairly primitive at this point.
The Best Views of Port Hercule
Just to the side of the Royal Palace, a platform provides the best, and most famous, view of Port Hercule.
Having the best view would make sense, as I am sure the Royal Family wanted to see this view every time they left the Palace.
After taking a few more pictures, I set off down the path towards Monaco’s secondary port, the Port de Fontvieille.
Walking Around the Port de Fontvieille - Monaco's Other Harbor
The Port de Fontvieille is the smaller of the two ports but is very picturesque. This port features many crowded buildings with gardens on the top. There are also large yachts parked in front of many of the buildings.
As I walked around looking at the Port of Fotvieille from above, I found a path that leads to the Cathedral of Monaco and follows the edge of the Port de Fontvieille.
A Lack of Green Space in Monaco
Due to the lack of green space, many people in Monaco have gardens and trees on top of the buildings.
I took this chance to zoom in and get some pictures of the rooftop gardens near the Port de Fotvieille.
Before heading off to the Monaco Cathedral, I was able to take one last photo of the Port de Fontvieille.
Visiting the Monaco Cathedral
Another very famous building in Monaco is the Monaco Cathedral. The home of the Royal Weddings and the burial places of many of the Princes and Princesses of Monaco, the Cathedral is open for visiting and is free to the public.
Photos are allowed inside the Monaco Cathedral as long as the camera does not produce a flash. Visitors must follow a predetermined path around the cathedral.
The path through the Monaco Cathedral ends by taking visitors through the graves of the Royal Family Members. My entire visit to the Monaco Cathedral only lasted around 15 minutes.
The Oceanographic Museum Area and Saint Martin Gardens
One building I did not have time to go in that I wish I would have been able to see is the Oceanographic Museum. Having limited time in Monaco, I decided to skip the museum as I have been to similar museums around the world.
Outside the museum is a submarine that can be followed on Instagram and an interested statue of an octopus.
There was also a company offering tours on a tiny train. Eight years old me would have begged to go on the train ride. Thirty-Six year old me seriously thought about it but decided to pass.
Sainte-Martin Gardens
Below the Oceanographic Museum is the beautiful Saint-Martin Gardens. On my way back towards the Port de Fontvieille, I walked through the gardens. Below are some of the highlights including a rainbow-colored eagle, some sculptures and statues, and many blooming flowers.
The walk through the gardens ended at the Port de Fontvieille and allowed a few pictures from a slightly different angle.
Public Restrooms in Monaco
Public restrooms are plentiful around Monaco, and at the end of the garden’s path, there was an immaculate bathroom. All of the bathrooms are free, and most were spotlessly clean. A restroom attendant works the bathrooms and has a small jar for tips. I tipped One Euro each time I used the bathroom.
Visiting the Monaco Sundial
An interesting stop near the Port de Fontvieille is the Monaco Sundail. The sundial works by casting a shadow on a large circle made out of bricks and stones. The shadow is dependent on the atmospheric conditions as it may not cast a shadow when it is cloudy.
Walking Around the Port de Fontvieille Area
My final stop in Monaco took me down to the Port de Fontvieille. Not only did the Port provide excellent views of the Royal Palace it also offered a different perspective of the Port.
Prince of Monaco's Automobile Collection
For travelers that enjoy cars, be sure to visit the Prince’s Automobile Collection. It is located just behind the Port de Fontvieille.
The End of My One-Day Visit to Monaco
This stop ended my journey through Monaco. I turned around and walked through the heart of the city back towards the train station. As I walked by, I took a quick picture of the tunnel heading back towards Nice.
Monaco was a fascinating place to visit, and I was able to see all of these sights in about eight hours.
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Monaco Tours and Packages
When visiting Monaco, I do not believe a tour is necessary. That being said, I know some people enjoy tours rather than exploring on their own. Posted below are some options for touring Monaco.
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Prices are accurate as of April 2023.
 Monaco, Monte Carlo, Eze, la Turbie Half-day from Monaco Small-Group tour - $71.75 Discover the best of the beautiful French Riviera on a small-group half-day tour of Monaco and Eze. Enjoy magnificent views of the Mediterranean coast as you head to the picturesque medieval village of Eze for a guided perfumery tour. In Monaco, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Prince's Palace, enjoy a drive along the road used for the world-famous Formula One Grand Prix race and explore Casino Square in Monte Carlo. |
 Monaco Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour - $27.52 See Monaco's top attractions at your own pace! |
 Monaco by Night eveningTour from Monaco Small-Group - $71.75 Explore the glamorous city of Monaco and see its top attractions illuminated against the night sky on a 5-hour night tour. Drive along the spectacular Basse Corniche road and stop at the Vista Palace Hotel in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin for magnificent views of sparkling Monaco. Back in Monaco, you'll see the Prince's Palace and the Monaco Cathedral, admire the illuminated Old Town (Monaco-Ville), and cruise around Casino Square in Monte Carlo. Before your night tour ends, you'll have free time to discover Monaco's vibrant nightlife at your leisure – visit the Grand Casino or enjoy dinner in a local restaurant if you wish. |
 Private Customized French Riviera Full-Day Tour from Monaco, Nice, or Cannes - $640.16 Enjoy deciding your itinarary with your guide suggestions. choose your destinations as Monaco, Provence, Italy, choping area etc... |
 Monaco Formula 1 Walking Tour The INSIDE Track Monaco F1 - $34.70 You will hear about the history of the Monaco F1. Some interesting stories about the race and some insight from some of the sports most famous drivers, a number of which are or have been resident in Monaco... |
 Ferrari Sports Car Experience from Monaco - $211.40 Enjoy an exhilarating 30-minute or 1-hour drive at the wheel of a Ferrari F458 car. Cruise on the famous panoramic roads and corniches of the French Riviera, overlooking Monaco and the blue Mediterranean sea. |
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