Is Monaco worth going to? Can you visit a place synonymous with wealth without partaking in a splurge of money? Is Monaco worth it even for budget travellers?
Monaco, nestled among France’s Cote d’Azur region, lies just a little east of the popular Mediterranean city of Nice. Famed for its luxury, glamour and wealth, Monaco lives in its own little world. There’s no doubt it’s a place you really need to experience at least once in your life. Despite its elite status, Monaco remains a welcome place for all.
I love visiting the South of France, staying in Nice, and no trip feels complete without a visit to nearby Monaco. It’s always worth it, and it never costs me much at all. That’s to say, if you want to visit Monaco and spend literally no money once there, that’s totally doable, and without feeling like you’ve missed out on anything. It really is a place worth visiting whatever budget you are on.
So, in this post, I’ll let you see that Monaco is worth visiting, including if you’re travelling on a budget. If you have the cash to splash, this post is still for you, as you will still want to see the main sights!
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Where to stay for visiting Monaco for cheap
To visit Monaco on a budget, don’t stay overnight in Monaco. Rather, stay in Nice for the most affordable and widest range of accommodation options.
Nice is especially good for those travelling solo travel thanks to its ample hostel options (if you don’t mind sharing a room, that is!). That’s to say, Nice is the closest location to Monaco where you will find a hostel, and therefore the cheapest accommodation.
The top hostels in Nice include:
Villa Saint Exupery Beach is a really popular hostel, tending to be rated the top in Nice. I have stayed here various times. While it’s not always the cheapest, it’s in an amazing location! Check it out here.
If you aren’t a solo traveller, or a hostel isn’t your vibe then you will likely opt for a hotel. There is no shortage of hotels to choose from.
Some of the most reasonably priced, well-rated hotel options include:
Fancy a little extra space? Nice has you covered with plenty of apartment options available, too. You can explore apartments in Nice here.
- I have previously stayed in Nice Appart, which was perfect for its location – just a 3 minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais, 10-15 minute walk from the train station, 15 minute walk from Place Masséna.
Getting to Monaco on a budget
As noted, Nice is the closest major city to Monaco, and is therefore home to the nearest international airport for visiting Monaco.
For cheap flights, I always search on Skysanner.
So, let’s look at how you can get to Monaco from Nice…
Public Bus
The cheapest way to travel from Nice to Monaco is by public bus, costing just €2.50 each way. The bus takes around 50 minutes – 1 hour.
The bus to Monaco leaves from Nice Port, well, the street just behind the port, the stop Arson fodéré. You won’t really miss it as you will likely see a queue of people waiting! Buying a Ticket Azur will allow you one tram ride plus the bus journey to Monaco. So, you can hop on the tram to Nice Port then the bus all for €2.50.
In addition to the cheap fare, a positive of taking the bus to Monaco is the amazing coastal views!! A negative, however, is that the bus to Monaco can get very busy. If you visit during late spring/summer in particular, it may not be the most pleasant of journeys.
The bus does continue all the way to Menton, so just a heads up for the return journey, if you do visit in peak season there is a chance it will drive straight past if it is already full. To combat this, I advise trying to catch the bus nearer the Monte-Carlo/Larvotto side of Monaco. This just might help you avoid the, likely, crowds of people trying to catch the bus from the port in Monaco.
Train
The train is the fastest and, generally, the most comfortable option to get to Monaco (it can also get pretty busy at times, but usually you will get a seat!).
Trains from Nice to Monaco are frequent, and the journey is only 23 minutes. The train arrives into Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, which is in the heart of town.
The train journey is also very scenic, nothing beats that Côte d’Azur coastline!
You can buy your tickets directly at the station, or if you do wish to pre-book to save you time, you can check for Nice-Monaco train tickets here:
Ferry
For a less budget option, but one which just might be worth it for that different perspective of the stunning coastline, the Nice to Monaco ferry is an excellent idea.
This round-trip ferry departs Nice Port at 9:30am, arriving into Monaco for 10:15am. For the return, the ferry leaves Monaco at 5pm, reaching Nice around 6pm.
The Nice-Monaco round trip-ferry essentially allows you to combine an additional activity with your travel time to/from Monaco. You get to take a tour of the coastline from the sea, while then having almost 7 hours to explore Monaco before returning.
How many days do you need in Monaco?
Monaco is the second smallest country in the world. With that in mind, it doesn’t take too long to experience the main sights.
Monaco can easily be explored in a day. In fact, exploring Monaco in a day is perfect. Despite its small size, there is enough to see and do in Monaco that you can spend a whole day there, covering the main spots, and not get bored!!
That being said, if you’re on a tight schedule and only have a few hours to spare, visiting Monaco is still totally worth it!!
On the other hand, Monaco will likely draw you in and you just might find yourself wanting to return another day! Much like despite how many times I have visited, I still always go back again when I’m in the South of France.
In essence, Monaco is worth visiting whether you have a few hours to spare, a whole day or even a couple of days!
How to get around Monaco?
- Walking
Thanks to its small size, walking around Monaco is an excellent way to see the main sights and get a good feel for this country. This is my preferred way to get around and costs nothing!
If you prefer not to walk so much, however, exploring Monaco is still accessible to you. Let’s see…
- Public Bus
The public buses in Monaco (C.A.M) make it easy and cheap to get around if you don’t wish to walk so much.
A single ticket can be bought from the bus driver and is €2. Or, you can buy a day pass, but I *believe* you have to purchase this before getting on the bus, from . Accueil – Compagnie Autobus de Monaco
- Tour Bus – Monaco: Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The hop-on hop-off tour bus operates between 10am-5pm. You can hop on and off along the route, which includes 12 stops, as many times as you wish. This is a really popular and top rated way to get around!
With the tour bus, you can travel to the main spots while learning more about Monaco and its history. Moreover, it’s especially great if you are short on time, and/or wish to avoid walking up/down any hills (Monaco is a little hilly!). Ultimately, it is the most convenient and informative transport option, and isn’t too expensive.
- Le Petit Train de Monaco
Le Petit Train de Monaco is a little tourist train which lets you see the main sights in the quickest way. You won’t be able to hop on and off but you will have a 30-40 minute guided tour.
It runs from February until mid-November, and leaves form the parking area opposite the Oceanographic Museum.
The adult ticket price is €12 and you can buy your ticket just before boarding.
You can see below the train passing by Monte Carlo Casino.
What to do in Monaco (on a budget)?
– Port Hercule
Port Hercule, Monaco’s main port, cannot be missed on a visit to Monaco. Take a walk around the port and admire the luxury yachts, these have to be some of the most impressive yachts in the world!
It is a place to just wander, relax and take it in that you are in Monaco! You can hop off the bus from Nice here, or take a short walk down from the train station. I generally tend to head here first when in Monaco, it just gives me that I’M IN MONACO feel straight away!
– Go on a Sightseeing Boat Cruise
While going on a boat cruise isn’t a free activity, this Monaco: Sightseeing Boat Cruise isn’t too expensive, so can still be added in to a ‘somewhat’ budget trip. It just might take your fancy!
The Monaco: Sightseeing Boat Cruise leaves from Port Hercule and takes you on a coastline cruise of Monaco. The coastline is no doubt stunning and this is a great alternate perspective of it. This is a guided, 50 minute boat tour, with time to take in and capture each sight.
This cruise runs at various times throughout the day (more frequently in the high season). You can choose your preferred time when booking.
– Go to Larvotto beach
Monaco’s beach, Larvotto, is free to the public and is well worth a visit! Larvotto beach is actually made up of two bays, is very scenic and generally pretty lively. It isn’t a huge beach, but there is enough space for everyone to enjoy it.
There are free public toilets, as well as some eateries, including gelato stores, if you do want a treat! I recommend to take plenty of water with you to the beach (if visiting in summer at least – you will be overcharged if you buy some here).
You can easily end up spending longer here than you intend to (you might even find yourself returning another day just for a Monaco beach day!!).
– Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco (Palais Princier de Monaco)
You can’t go to Monaco and not visit the palace!!
There is absolutely no cost to go and admire the palace and the stunning views on offer around it!!
If you do want a little extra out of your palace visit, however, then from the beginning of April through to mid-October, you can take a tour inside. There is a 10€ fee for such, but that’s not too expensive!
– Port de Fontvieille
Port de Fontvieille is Monaco’s smaller port which is worth visiting or even just viewing! The Port de Fontvieille can be viewed just by the Prince’s Palace – peer over the wall by the palace and there you have it.
Writing this now I realise, despite visiting Monaco many times, I’ve actually never walked around Port de Fontevieille. That’s now on my must-do list in Monaco next time! So, if you’re short on time don’t worry too much about going down and walking around there – I’d say visit the other main spots (noted in this post), and if you still have some time or return another day, add this on. The view is a must though!!
– Monaco Cathedral (Cathédrale de Monaco)
This beautiful cathedral, both inside and out, is a must see in Monaco. You can easily visit it on your way to/from the palace.
Members of Monaco’s royal family, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, are buried here.
Entering the cathedral is free, and it is open from 9am-6pm daily.
– Place du Casino
The stunning Place du Casino is a beautiful open space that is lively day and night.
Place du Casino can be considered the heart of Monaco: Monte Carlo Casino, stunning architecture all around, flashy cars both outside the casino and driving on the famous Grand Prix track alongside it, the iconic Café de Paris Monte-Carlo, pretty gardens – Jardin du Casino and Jardins de la Petite Afrique, high-end designer stores just off the square…. Monaco’s beauty and wealth is evident.
- Monte Carlo Casino
Monaco is home to one of the world’s most famous casinos – Monte Carlo Casino.
I’m not telling you to go and gamble here, you just need to go and see the casino. It really is a must do in Monaco. You can enter the boutique, the Atrium, the Café de la Rotonde, the Renaissance rooms (you can find the slot machines here) and use the bathroom for free. There is a fee to enter the gaming rooms.
– Monte Carlo Sculpture Path
At the ‘back’ of the casino, The Terrasse du Casino, is a walkway you don’t want to miss! The path passes near Monte Carlo Opera, has beautiful coastal views and is home to various sculptures such as the giant hand, alongside Adam and Eve, as pictured below.
It is a lovely spot to just chill out and is usually not too busy! You can take this route whether on your way up or down to the casino.
– Tunnel Larvotto
The Larvotto tunnel is well-know due to its place in the Formula 1 Circuit. You can and should walk through this tunnel, it just feels so Monaco!!
Oh there is also a souvenir shop in the tunnel so you can pop in there to pick up a Monaco memory.
– Japanese Garden
Monaco likes its beautiful little gardens, the many green spaces is very refreshing. The Japanese Garden ‘Le Jardin Japonais’, is another free space to walk through. It’s just a short walk from Larvotto beach.
– Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is a great choice of an additional activity while in Monaco. If you end up being unlucky with the weather, this could be the perfect indoor activity to add into your day.
Is it possible to eat out in Monaco on a budget?
A day in Monaco? You will of course need to fuel yourself. But, can you do so for cheap?
Absolutely. If you’re on a budget budget, know that there is a supermarket, Carrefour, right at Port Hercule. This supermarket is a pretty decent size and you can easily pick up some cheap snacks and lunch food here, then find a nice spot to sit in Monaco, even head to the beach and enjoy!
As for eating out, know that you can also eat out in Monaco without breaking the bank. You just have to be mindful of where you choose to go. If you want to go somewhere luxurious, then you can expect to come away with a hefty bill at the end. But remember, you are in Monaco, any setting can be considered ‘luxurious’. Choose somewhere with outside seating, reasonable priced food and enjoy watching the world of Monaco go by.
For example, on my last visit I went to Pizza Mama Monte Carlo. You can have a margherita pizza for €9.50, my diavola one pictured below was €13, so nothing out of the ordinary. If you don’t wish to spend on drinks either, just ask for a carafe of water!
When to visit Monaco?
My favourite time of year to visit Monaco is April/May/June, or September/October.
The temperature is most pleasant during these moths and you can avoid the worst of the summer crowds and heightened accommodation prices.
Visiting Monaco in May is something I have done many times and is definitely a pretty cool time to visit. May is the month of the Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco is host to both the Historic Grand Prix and the Formula One Grand Prix, which tend to occur two weeks apart. You can expect, then, to see the set-up and the course if you visit in May. The only downside to visiting at this time is it an be tricky to navigate around the port, but if this is the only time you might ever visit Monaco, then what a way to see it!
All this being said, there really is no bad time to visit Monaco!! Even in winter the weather is generally favorable, and you will still have an amazing time seeing the sights.
What currency is used in Monaco?
The currency of Monaco is the euro.
Overall, just being in Monaco makes you feel like you’re living some form of high life. You don’t need to go there and break the bank. If you are nearby in the south of France, there is no reason not to add a Monaco trip to your itinerary!! Go, explore, eat cheap, walk, relax, have fun!! I’m sure you will leave Monaco as I always do – rather reluctantly and looking forward to the next visit!!
