Monaco
Monaco is tiny, glamorous and very easy to see in a day. I visited in the summer of 2024 as a day trip from Nice during a trip along the French Riviera. The train from Nice is quick and the whole principality is walkable, so it works well that way.
What I did
Took a day trip to Monaco from Nice during my Riviera trip in summer 2024.
Walked the principality, which is only about two square kilometers.
Based myself in Nice rather than staying overnight.
Where to stay
Nice: The best value base. Trains run to Monaco in about 20 to 25 minutes.
Monte Carlo: The casino and luxury hotel district, if you want to splurge on the location.
La Condamine: Around Port Hercule, with the market and plenty of restaurants.
Menton: A calm lemon town just east, for a quieter option on the coast.
Getting there and around
From Nice, the regional train to Monaco-Monte-Carlo takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Buses also run along the coast.
By car, the Basse, Moyenne and Grande Corniche roads are all scenic, and the Moyenne passes Eze.
The nearest airport is Nice, with a helicopter transfer of about 7 minutes if you want to splurge.
In Monaco, walk. Public elevators and escalators link the harbor to the upper streets.
What to eat
Barbajuan: Fried pastry stuffed with chard and ricotta, the national snack.
Socca and pissaladiere: Shared with Nice and easy to find.
Stocafi: Dried cod stewed with tomatoes and olives.
Fougasse monegasque: Sweet bread with orange blossom and anise.
What to drink
Cocktails: A drink on the Cafe de Paris terrace is mostly for the people watching. Expect a glamorous crowd and a high bill.
Wine: Provence rose is the local pour, crisp and pale. The wine regions of Bellet near Nice are a good day trip for something unusual.
Champagne: The bars around the casino square lean toward champagne by the glass.
Coffee: A coffee at a terrace cafe is the budget way to enjoy the scene.
Beer: Monaco has its own small brewery, Brasserie de Monaco, which makes a few local lagers.
Don't miss
The Casino de Monte-Carlo and Casino Square, with the supercars out front.
The Prince's Palace and the old town on the Rock, ideally before noon for the changing of the guard.
The Oceanographic Museum on the cliff.
Walking the Grand Prix circuit, including the tunnel and the hairpin.
Port Hercule at sunset, with the yachts lined up.
The Japanese Garden and Larvotto beach.
Day trips and side trips
Eze village, on the way from Nice.
Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Menton, the lemon town just east, famous for its lemon festival in February.
Nice, as your base.
Festivals and events
Monaco Grand Prix: Monte Carlo, usually in May. The most famous street race in the world.
Monte Carlo Rolex Masters: Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, near Monaco, usually in April. A top tennis tournament.
Monaco Yacht Show: Port Hercule, usually in late September. The largest superyacht show in the world.
Fete Nationale: Monaco, on November 19. Fireworks over the harbor and the palace.
International Circus Festival: Monte Carlo, usually in January.
Monte-Carlo Sporting Summer Festival: Monte Carlo, usually in July and August. Big name concerts in a seaside setting.
Monaco E-Prix and Historic Grand Prix: Monte Carlo, usually in spring. Electric and vintage cars on the circuit.
Monaco Dance Forum: Monte Carlo, usually in December. Contemporary dance.
Music and dance
Classical and opera: The Opera de Monte-Carlo and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic are the main places to hear it.
Jazz and lounge: Hotel bars and the Cafe de Paris area have live jazz in the evenings.
Clubs: The Jimmy'z club and beach clubs are the glamorous night out, with a dress code.
Dance: Monaco has no folk dance scene of note, but Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo is a world class company, and people go dancing at the Jimmy'z club and beach clubs.
Photography spots
The Rock: The ramparts looking over Port Hercule and Monte Carlo, late afternoon and blue hour.
Casino Square: At night, with the supercars lined up.
Tete de Chien: The viewpoint above Monaco on the French side for the classic full-city shot at sunset.
Drones: Flying over Monaco is heavily restricted and effectively off-limits without permission. Check current drone rules.
My experience
Monaco is a place to see rather than live in, and a day is the right amount. It is spotless and surprisingly compact, and the best part was the walk between the harbor, the Rock and the casino. I would recommend it as an easy add-on if you are already on the Riviera.
Cost of living
Overall: Monaco (one city-state): $$$$$, more expensive than New York. Nearby Nice is much cheaper.
Coffee: about $6
Local lunch: about $25
Dinner for two at a nice restaurant: about $250
Beer or cocktail: about $12 / $18
Ride across town: about $25
Mid-range hotel: about $400 a night
Furnished one-bedroom in a good area: about $4,500 a month in Monaco itself, much less in nearby Nice
Daily budget: about $200 budget, 450 comfortable, 1,000+ luxury
Monaco is one of the most expensive places on earth. I visited as a day trip from Nice, which is the smart way to do it: you see everything and sleep for far less. Prices are approximate in US dollars as of 2026.
Working remotely
Wi-Fi: Fast and reliable, with fiber widely available. Hotels and cafes are fine for work.
Coworking and cafes: Limited in Monaco itself. Most remote workers base in nearby Nice, which has far more cafes and spaces, so I would stay there and visit Monaco.
Time zone: UTC+1, 6 hours ahead of US Eastern (5 or 7 for a few weeks around clock changes).
Visa for longer stays: Monaco has an open border with France, so the Schengen 90 days in any 180 applies. There is no nomad visa, and residency is expensive. Check current rules.
Nomad rating: 2 out of 5 as a base. Beautiful and safe, but the cost makes Nice the better choice.
Good to know
Language: French is official, and Monegasque is the traditional local language. English and Italian are widely spoken.
Currency: Euro. Expect high prices. Cards are accepted nearly everywhere.
Plugs: Types C, D, E and F, 230V, the same as France.
Entry for US citizens: There is no border control with France, so Schengen rules apply. Check current rules.
Best time to visit: Spring and fall. Grand Prix weekend is packed and expensive, and summer is busy with yachts and events.
Getting around: Walk, or use a taxi or Uber.
Tipping: Service is usually included. Round up or leave a little for good service.
SIM/eSIM: Monaco is not in the EU, so EU roaming may not apply on every plan. Make sure your eSIM covers it.
Apps: Uber works, and Uber Eats and Deliveroo cover parts of Monaco.
Water: Tap water is safe to drink.
Useful phrases
Hello: Bonjour
Please: S'il vous plait
Thank you: Merci
How much?: C'est combien?
The check, please: L'addition, s'il vous plait
Nightlife
Monaco is small, upscale and glamorous rather than wild. The night revolves around Monte Carlo, with hotel bars, lounges and a few clubs. Many visitors go out for dinner here and then head back to Nice, where it is cheaper and livelier.
When people go out: Dinner is around 9 pm, and clubs get going after midnight. Weekends are busiest, and Grand Prix week in May is the peak of the year.
Where the action is: Monte Carlo around Casino Square and the port is the center of everything, with hotel lounges and bars. The Sporting Monte-Carlo complex hosts shows and events in summer.
The music: Lounge, house and pop, usually from resident DJs in the clubs and live jazz or piano in the hotel bars.
Must-visit: The Casino de Monte-Carlo is worth a visit even if you only look around, so bring ID and dress properly.
Good to know: This is among the most expensive places in Europe for drinks, and bottle service is the norm in clubs. The dress code is strict: smart and stylish, with no beachwear or sportswear. Monaco is very safe, but plan your return to Nice before you go out, since a taxi is costly.
Meeting people
Social scene: Monaco is tiny, polished and quiet, and it is not a place where travelers mix easily. Your best chances are nearby in Nice or Menton, which have more of a social and nomad scene, with Monaco as a day trip.
Apps: Tinder, Bumble and Hinge work in the area, and Meetup and Facebook groups are more active in Nice than in Monaco itself.
Etiquette: A handshake is normal, and cheek kisses are common among friends in the French style. Dress smartly, especially for the casino and upscale venues. Be on time, and expect to split or share the bill.
Stay smart: Meet in public places, and be cautious with bar tabs, since prices are high and bills can add up quickly.
Staying safe
Monaco is one of the safest places in the world, with heavy police and camera presence.
The casino has a dress code and checks ID, so dress smartly and bring your passport.
Watch your belongings on the crowded trains along the coast.