Monaco is known for being the playground of the rich. A small country located in between France and Italy along the French Riviera, Monaco is home to the ultra-famous Monte Carlo Casino and store fronts to designs such as Goyard, Van Cleef, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and so many more.
Does this scream "luxury" to you or what?
HOW TO GET THERE
You can fly directly into Monaco, but it's an easy day trip from the French Riviera. Or it's a great day trip from Nice, France, it's a less than $5 USD train ride that takes 30 minutes! Expanding out along the French Rivieria, it still proves to be a close, quick day trip. We bought our tickets right at Nice-Ville train station, but you can also buy your tickets online through Rail Europe.
WHAT TO DO
ARRIVING IN MONACO
You can fly directly into Monaco, but it's an easy day trip from the French Riviera. Or it's a great day trip from Nice, France, it's a less than $5 USD train ride that takes 30 minutes! Expanding out along the French Rivieria, it still proves to be a close, quick day trip. We bought our tickets right at Nice-Ville train station, but you can also buy your tickets online through Rail Europe.
Departing from the Nice-Ville Train Station.
MONTE CARLO CASINO
The Monte Carlo Casino is one of the main attractions of Monaco. Gaining its popularity from the James Bond films, the Monte Carlo Casino is said to be one of the most popular casino in the world. The casino opened in 1863 and currently is open daily for both gambling and tours. The casino offers both tables and slot machines. Entry to lobby, but you need to pay a fee to get on the floor. Outside across the street is the Casino Gardens, if you're looking to get a great picture of the casino check out this spot.
The world famous Monte Carlo Casino (...with some unfortunate construction).
STROLL THE STREETS OF PORT HERCULES
Walking down from the Monte Carlo Casino and heading toward the Port Hercules area you willc continue to pass luxurious designer shops. Whether window shopping or real shopping the walk is enjoyable. To your left, you'll also have great views of the yachts pulled into the port area. Ultimately we landed on having lunch at the Italian restaurant Bella Vita.
Wandering the streets of Port Herculues.
WALK TO THE SAINT MARTIN GARDENS
From the base of Port Hercules there are stairs leading to a panoramic view of Monaco. If you head up the stairs it'll lead you to a view of the entire port area. At the top of the hike you will also reach the Saint Martin Gardens.
Panoramic view of Monaco City - no bad views from up here!
TAKE THE TRAIN BACK TO NICE
After a long day of wandering Monaco City, we took the quick train ride back to Nice and called it a day.
Departing from the Monaco City train station.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Monaco was a great day trip from Nice. Given how small it was, we felt we could gain an understanding of the area in a short period of time. If you're a luxury lover this is the spot for you. Contrary to popular opinion, Monaco is not high on our list of places to return to. It's great if it's convenient, but we would (personally) have a challenging time making a full trip out of Monaco alone.
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