Trip from Nice: Monaco

Monaco is like a mix of Hollywood, Monte Carlo, and French Riviera elegance, all sprinkled onto a sheer cliff face overlooking the sea. It’s small, dense, and incredibly spectacular. I’ve spent a day there, and more than once, but every moment felt like I’d stepped onto a movie set—yachts, casinos, palm trees, and glitz in every direction.

Walking around the city-state is like a continuous up-and-down journey – the levels alternate, with elevators, escalators and alleys weaving through the whole place. The area around the Prince's Palace of Monaco was probably my favorite: the small alleys, the red tiled roofs, and the way the endless blue of the sea emerges from behind the houses. From here, a few minutes' walk takes you to the Oceanographic Museum, which is impressive inside and out: the building almost grows into the mountain in the background, and inside it is an exciting mix of the deep sea world and historical discoveries.

The Monte Carlo district is a different world – everything shines here: luxury cars on Casino Square, elegant people, glittering shop windows and white-gloved doormen. I didn’t play in the famous casino, but just entering it is an interesting experience: the ceilings, chandeliers, and the kind of decadent timelessness that seems to still be from the James Bond era. While sipping a coffee on the terrace of the nearby Café de Paris, you can observe the movement and the tranquility at the same time – a strange duality in the city.

Due to the size of the city, everything can be covered on foot, but due to the constant elevation changes, comfortable shoes and a bit of patience are useful. You can also take the Hop-on-Hop-off bus. And if you want a break, head to Larvotto beach – a small pebble beach where the sea is calm and clear.

Getting to Monaco from Nice is easy – and luckily, the journey is part of the experience. The most convenient and fastest way is by train, which departs from Gare de Nice-Ville and arrives at Monaco-Monte-Carlo station in just 20-25 minutes. The train runs along the coast, passing places like Villefranche or Beaulieu – so it’s worth getting a window seat. Another option is bus 100, which departs from the port of Nice and follows a winding route along the Moyenne Corniche, offering beautiful views for much of the journey. It’s slower than the train (around 50-60 minutes). It’s also accessible by car, but parking can be a challenge and expensive – so public transport is your best bet if you’re planning a leisurely day trip within the Riviera.