The Monaco Itinerary I’d Recommend to Anyone Visiting for the First Time

I visited Monaco as part of a longer solo trip through Italy, France and Monaco, where I stayed in Nice for three days and used it as my base to explore the French Riviera.

Instead of spending an entire day in Monaco, I actually combined Monaco and Menton on the same day, and it worked much better than I expected. Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, so unless you’re planning to stay in a luxury hotel or spend hours shopping and gambling, you really don’t need more than a day to see the highlights.

In this guide, I’m sharing the Monaco itinerary I’d recommend to anyone visiting for the first time, whether you’re staying in Monaco itself or, like most people (and me), visiting on a day trip from Nice.

Monaco Itinerary: Quick Overview

📅 Recommended time: 1 day

🚆 Best way to arrive: Train from Nice

🚶 Getting around: Completely on foot

💰 Budget: Expensive if staying overnight, much more affordable as a day trip

⭐ Best for: First-time visitors

Is One Day Enough for a Monaco Itinerary?

Yes.

Monaco is incredibly small, and that’s exactly why one day is enough for a Monaco itinerary.

You can comfortably explore the main highlights, walk through Monte Carlo, visit the Old Town, admire the marina and still have time to sit down for lunch without feeling like you’re rushing from place to place.

That’s also why so many people choose to visit Monaco from Nice instead of staying there. The train journey takes around 25 minutes, making it one of the easiest day trips on the French Riviera.

If you’re wondering whether you need to spend two or three days here, I’d save your money and spend the extra time exploring other places like Menton instead.

→ Read: How Many Days in Monaco?

Before You Start Your Monaco Itinerary

Where to Stay

Unless you’re specifically travelling to Monaco for luxury hotels or the casino, I’d stay in Nice instead.

That’s exactly what I did, and I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Monaco for the first time.

Nice has accommodation for every budget, from hostels to apartments and hotels, while Monaco is one of the most expensive places to stay in Europe. On top of that, the train between Nice and Monaco only takes around 25 minutes, so there’s really no reason to spend hundreds of euros on a hotel in Monaco if you’re just there to explore.

Here are 4 great accommodations for Nice depending on your budget:

• Backpacker: SLO Hostel Nice 
• Budget: Best Western Alba
• Mid-Range: Best Western Plus Hotel Brice Garden Nice
• Luxury: Hotel Le Negresco

→ Check hotels in Nice here

Getting to Monaco

The easiest way to get to Monaco is by TER train from Nice. Trains run regularly throughout the day, the journey is short, and you’ll arrive right in the centre of Monaco.

If you’re flying into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, you can either take public transport into the city before catching the train or book an airport transfer if you want the easiest option after landing.

→ Find train tickets
→ Book an airport transfer

Monaco Itinerary (Morning)

9:00 AM – Arrive at Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station

Start your day early to avoid some of the crowds, especially if you’re visiting during summer.

From the station, it’s an easy walk towards Monte Carlo, where you’ll find some of Monaco’s most famous landmarks.

9:30 AM – Monte Carlo Casino

Whether you want to go inside or not, the Monte Carlo Casino is one of the first places you should visit.

Walk around the square, admire the architecture, take a few photos and, if you’re lucky, you’ll probably spot a few luxury cars parked outside. You don’t need to gamble to enjoy the area.

10:30 AM – Casino Square

Spend a bit of time exploring the area around Casino Square.

This is where you’ll find some of Monaco’s most famous hotels, luxury boutiques and perfectly maintained gardens. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s worth walking around and taking in the atmosphere.

Lunch

By lunchtime, I’d head towards Port Hercules or Monaco Old Town.

Both areas have plenty of cafés and restaurants, so just pick somewhere that fits your budget and continue exploring afterwards.

Monaco Itinerary (Afternoon)

1:30 PM – Port Hercules

After lunch, make your way to Port Hercules, Monaco’s famous marina.

This is where you’ll find some of the biggest yachts in the country, waterfront cafés and one of the nicest areas to simply walk around for a while. Even if you’re not into boats, it’s worth stopping here because it’s one of the most iconic parts of Monaco.

2:30 PM – Monaco Old Town

Next, head up to Monaco Old Town, also known as Le Rocher.

This is one of my favourite areas in Monaco. The streets are much quieter than Monte Carlo, there are plenty of small souvenir shops, cafés and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s also a nice break from all the luxury around the casino area.

3:30 PM – Prince’s Palace

If you still have time, continue walking to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

The palace is one of the country’s main landmarks, and even if you don’t go inside, the surrounding area offers some great views over Monaco and Port Hercules.

4:00 PM – Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Just a short walk from the palace is Saint Nicholas Cathedral.

This is where several members of Monaco’s royal family are buried, including Princess Grace Kelly, making it one of the country’s most visited landmarks.

4:30 PM – Oceanographic Museum (Optional)

If you’re interested in marine life or museums, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is one of the most popular attractions in the country.

If you’re only doing a quick day trip, though, I’d probably skip it and spend more time exploring the streets outside instead.

Japanese Garden (Optional)

If you still have some extra time before heading back to Nice, you can also stop by the Japanese Garden.

It’s a peaceful place to take a break from the crowds and a nice option if you’ve already seen the main highlights.

Evening

If you’re spending the whole day in Monaco, finish your visit with one last walk through Monte Carlo before heading back.

If you’re visiting Monaco as a day trip from Nice, simply make your way back to Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station and catch the train back whenever you’re ready. Trains run frequently throughout the day, so you don’t need to worry too much about rushing.

Optional Add-On: Combine Monaco and Menton

If you’re starting your day early, I’d actually recommend combining Monaco and Menton.

That’s exactly what I did during my trip. I spent the morning exploring Monaco before hopping back on the train and continuing to Menton for the afternoon. Since the train journey between the two only takes around 10 minutes, it’s a really easy way to see two completely different places in the same day.

Monaco is all about luxury, casinos and yachts, while Menton feels much more relaxed, colourful and authentic. If I had to choose a favourite, it would actually be Menton.

If you’re short on time but still want to make the most of your French Riviera trip, this is probably the combination I’d recommend.

Practical Information

Stay Connected

Although Monaco sits right next to France, it’s not part of the European Union, and depending on your mobile provider, roaming charges can be different once you cross the border.

To avoid any surprises, I always recommend using a Europe eSIM, especially if you’re travelling through multiple countries on the same trip.

→ Get a Europe eSIM

Travel Insurance

Monaco is a very safe destination, but travel insurance is still something I never travel without. Delayed transport, lost luggage or unexpected medical bills can happen anywhere, and it’s always better to have cover than regret not getting it.

For longer trips, I personally recommend SafetyWing.

→ Get SafetyWing Travel Insurance

FAQs about Monaco Itinerary

Is one day enough for a Monaco itinerary?

Yes. Monaco is tiny, so one day is enough to see the main highlights without rushing. You can visit Monte Carlo, Casino Square, Port Hercules, Monaco Old Town and still have time to stop for lunch. Unless you’re staying for luxury hotels, shopping or the nightlife, I don’t think you need longer.

What’s the best Monaco itinerary for first-time visitors?

For your first visit, I’d keep it simple: start in Monte Carlo, walk through Casino Square, continue to Port Hercules, have lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring Monaco Old Town, the Prince’s Palace and Saint Nicholas Cathedral. If you still have time, you can visit the Japanese Garden or the Oceanographic Museum before heading back.

Can you do a Monaco itinerary without a car?

Absolutely. In fact, I’d recommend not renting one. Monaco is very walkable, parking is expensive, and getting there by train from Nice is quick and easy. Once you arrive, you can reach almost everything on foot.

Where should a Monaco itinerary start?

The best place to start is Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station. From there, it’s an easy walk to Monte Carlo, the casino and the rest of the city’s main attractions before making your way towards the Old Town later in the day.

Is it better to visit Monaco from Nice?

For most travellers, yes. Nice has accommodation for every budget, including hostels, while Monaco is one of the most expensive places to stay in Europe. The train between Nice and Monaco only takes around 25 minutes, making it an easy day trip.

Can you combine Monaco and Menton in one day?

Yes, and that’s exactly what I did. I explored Monaco in the morning before taking the train to Menton, which is only about 10 minutes away. If you start early, it’s a great way to see two completely different places in one day.

What shouldn’t you miss on a Monaco itinerary?

If it’s your first time visiting, don’t miss Monte Carlo Casino, Casino Square, Port Hercules and Monaco Old Town. Those are the places that really give you the classic Monaco experience, even if you’re only visiting for a few hours.

How much does a one-day Monaco itinerary cost?

It depends on how you travel. If you’re visiting from Nice by train and avoiding luxury restaurants, you can easily spend less than €50 for the day. If you start adding fine dining, casinos or luxury shopping, your budget can increase very quickly. For most travellers, though, Monaco works surprisingly well as an affordable day trip.

Monaco Itinerary: Final Thoughts

If you’re following this Monaco itinerary, don’t feel like you need to spend several days here. Monaco is one of those places that’s easy to explore in a day, especially if it’s your first visit.

I actually combined Monaco with Menton on the same day, and looking back, I think it was the perfect way to experience both places. Monaco is absolutely worth visiting, but unless you’re travelling for the luxury hotels or casino, I’d save your money, stay in Nice, and explore it as a day trip instead.

Read My Other Monaco Guides

Is Monaco Worth Visiting? My honest Review

Is Monaco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

How Many Days in Monaco do you Need?

Best Time to Visit Monaco: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

How to Get to Monaco from Nice: Every Option Explained (2026)

Read my Nice Guides

Is Nice Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Day Trips from Nice: 10 Amazing Places You can Easily Visit 

Is Nice Worth visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

Nice, France Solo Travel: A Practical Guide (2026)

How Many Days in Nice do you Need? My Honest Recommendation (2026)

1 Day in Nice: The Perfect Itinerary (2026)

2 Day Nice Itinerary: Nice Plus a French Riviera Day Trip (2026)

Itinerary Nice, France: The Complete Guide for 1 to 4 days (2026)

25 Best Things to Do in Nice France (2026)

Nice France Guide (2026): Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Best Day Tours from Nice: 15 Experiences Actually Worth Your Money (2026)

Read my French Riviera Guides

French Riviera on a Budget: How to Visit Without Breaking the Bank (2026)

10 Towns on French Riviera Ranked: From Overrated to Must-Visit (2026)

Solo Travel South of France: Mini Guide (2026)

Read my Menton Guides

Is Menton Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)

Is Menton, France Safe? My Honest Experience as a Solo Female Traveler (2026)

Best Time to Visit Menton: A Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

How Many Days in Menton Do You Need? My Honest Recommendation (2026)

Nice to Menton: Best Ways to Get There (Train, Bus, Car & Day Trip Guide) (2026)

Where to Stay in Menton: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget (2026)

Day Trip to Menton from Nice: The Perfect Itinerary (2026)

10 Best Day Trips from Menton You Shouldn’t Miss (2026)

Menton Itinerary: How I’d Spend 1, 2 or 3 Days in Menton (2026)

25 Best Things to Do in Menton, France (2026 Guide)

Menton Guide (2026): Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting The Most Beautiful Village of the French Riviera