Is Monaco Worth Visiting? My Honest Review (2026)
Monaco was my country 48 as part of my dream of visiting every country in the world.
To visit Monaco I took a bus from Milan, Italy, to Nice, where I stayed for three nights, and then visited Monaco and Menton as a day trip from Nice.
In this guide I will be answering the very simple question: Is Monaco worth visiting? I’ll share my personal experience, what I loved and didn’t love as much, my favroite things to do and if I found Monaco safe for solo female travelers.
Planning a Trip to Monaco? Start Here!
🏨 Find the best hotels in Menton & Nice
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🚆 Traveling the French Riviera?
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🚗 Planning a French Riviera road trip?
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📱 Get an eSIM before you arrive
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🎟️ Book the best tours and activities
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Is Monaco Worth Visiting? My Quick Answer
Is Monaco worth visiting? If you are in the French Riviera yes, it is worth visiting as a day trip. Would I spend more time in Monaco or stay in Monaco? No.
Monaco is obviously one of the most expensive countries in the world and to be honest there is not much to do there except walk around, go up the castle for the views and try to not spend a kidney on your visit.
My First Impressions of Monaco
For this day trip to Monaco I took the 25 minute train from Nice. This is a really easy day trip and also one of the most popular ones in the French Riviera.
I arrived in Monaco and I had no fixed plans and all I wanted was to walk around the city and see what I’d find. I’ll be honest: I had no clue what to do in Monaco during my visit because I may have just decided last minute to visit Monaco and count it as a new country.
Compared to Nice, despite the amount of tourists taking day trips to Monaco, it felt much more quiet and peaceful. I was a bit confused at first on where to go but just started walking and at some point found the tourists and pretty much followed them and found myself in the pretty side of Monaco.
Is Monaco Worth Visiting? Practical Information
How to Get to Monaco
Getting to Monaco is surprisingly easy, especially if you’re already staying in Nice
The easiest option is to take the train from Nice, which takes around 25 minutes and costs around 7€ each way. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making Monaco one of the easiest day trips on the French Riviera.
If you’re flying into the region, you’ll arrive at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. From there, you can either take the tram into Nice and continue by train, or book a private airport transfer if you want the easiest option after landing.
→ Book your train tickets here
→ Book an airport transfer here
Where to Stay in Monaco
Unless your budget is unlimited, I honestly wouldn’t stay in Monaco.
Hotels here are some of the most expensive you’ll find in Europe, and considering the country is tiny, you’re paying a premium for the location rather than getting much extra out of your stay.
I’d recommend staying in Nice instead, exactly like I did. Hotels are much cheaper, there’s far more choice, and you can easily visit Monaco as a day trip in under half an hour.
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
If you really want to stay in Monaco:
Stay Connected
One thing worth knowing is that Monaco isn’t part of the European Union, even though it’s surrounded by France.
That means some phone providers automatically switch to Monaco’s network when you cross the border, which can lead to expensive roaming charges or losing your data altogether.
If you’re traveling around several European countries, I’d recommend getting a regional Europe eSIM instead of a France-only one, so you stay connected without worrying about crossing borders.
Travel Insurance
Monaco is incredibly safe, but accidents, delayed transport, or lost luggage can happen anywhere.
I never travel without insurance, especially when I’m traveling through multiple countries.
→ Get SafetyWing Travel Insurance
What I Loved About Monaco
It Was Ridiculously Easy to Visit
Getting to count a new country after taking a 25-minute train from Nice was honestly one of the coolest parts of visiting Monaco.
You don’t need to rent a car, book an expensive tour, or even spend the night there. Just jump on the train in the morning and you’ll be walking around one of the richest countries in the world before you’ve even finished your coffee.
Walking Around Monte Carlo
Whether you care about Formula 1 or not, it’s pretty cool walking through streets you’ve seen on TV for years.
Between the luxury hotels, expensive cars, and the casino area, Monaco definitely feels different from anywhere else I’ve been.
The Views from Monaco-Ville
My favorite part of the country was definitely the Old Town.
Walking up to the Prince’s Palace gives you amazing views over the marina, and honestly that’s where Monaco felt the most beautiful to me.
It Actually Felt Relaxed
I expected Monaco to feel pretentious.
Instead, once I got away from the casino area, it actually felt surprisingly peaceful. There were tourists, of course, but nowhere near as chaotic as Nice.
What I Didn’t Love as Much About Monaco
It’s Very Expensive
This shouldn’t surprise anyone.
Even grabbing a coffee or sitting down for lunch can feel overpriced compared to nearby Nice.
That’s another reason I’d only recommend visiting as a day trip.
There’s Not Actually That Much to Do
After walking around Monte Carlo, the harbor, and Monaco-Ville, you’ve pretty much seen the country.
Don’t get me wrong—it’s beautiful—but I wouldn’t spend several days here.
It Doesn’t Feel Very Authentic
Monaco almost feels like a luxury showcase.
Everything is polished, clean, and expensive, but sometimes it felt like I was walking around a movie set rather than somewhere people actually live.
Is Monaco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Yes.
I felt completely safe walking around Monaco by myself, even as a solo female traveler.
The streets are clean, there are security cameras everywhere, and the crime rate is extremely low. It’s honestly one of the safest places I’ve visited.
Like anywhere, I’d still keep an eye on my belongings around train stations and crowded tourist areas, but I never felt uncomfortable during my visit.
→ Is Monaco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
My Favorite Things to Do in Monaco
- Wander around Monaco-Ville.
- Visit the Prince’s Palace.
- Walk around Port Hercules and admire the yachts.
- See the Monte Carlo Casino.
- Walk part of the Formula 1 circuit.
- Enjoy the views over the Mediterranean.
- Visit Monaco as a day trip from Nice.
FAQs
How many days in Monaco do you need?
One day is more than enough. I’d visit Monaco as a day trip from Nice rather than spending the night.
Is Monaco good for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s easy to walk around, very safe, and simple to reach by train. Is it a place where you will meet other travelers or have a lot of fun as a solo traveler? Probably not.
Is Monaco worth visiting with kids?
Yes, especially if they’re interested in cars, boats, or the aquarium. Otherwise, I’d probably prioritize other French Riviera towns.
Do you need a car in Monaco?
No. Monaco is tiny and completely walkable.
Is Monaco expensive?
Yes. It’s one of the most expensive countries in the world, which is why I recommend staying in Nice instead.
Final Thoughts: Is Monaco Worth Visiting?
So, is Monaco worth visiting?
Yes—but I’d only recommend it as a day trip.
It’s beautiful, incredibly easy to reach from Nice, and definitely worth seeing at least once. Walking around Monte Carlo, seeing the harbor, and exploring Monaco-Ville was a fun experience, especially knowing I’d just crossed into another country on a short train ride.
Would I stay there?
Probably not.
I’d base myself in Nice, save a lot of money on accommodation, and spend a day exploring Monaco before heading back in the evening. That’s exactly what I did, and if I visited the French Riviera again, I’d do the same thing.
Read my other Monaco Guides
Is Monaco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
How Many Days in Monaco do you Need?
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)
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