Nice to Monaco is an easy day trip to undertake via public transportation on a trip to the French Riviera.
Read on to learn what it’s like to travel from Nice France to Monaco by bus (Line 600) and things to do in Monaco once you get there.
Old Town Monaco and the Changing of the Guard
We arrived in Monaco and the bus dropped us off near the Place d’Armes. We took in the views of the Port de Fontvieille. We turned around and looked up toward our next destination — Monaco’s old town situated on a steep hill.
We started the climb toward the old town. At the peak, we found lookout points and stacks of cannonballs.
We arrived at the palace (Le Palais des Princes de Monaco) just in time for the changing of the guard. Monaco only has 40,000 residents and only a fraction of those are actual citizens. I wonder how Monaco manages to staff such a large regiment of ceremonial soldiers.
After the pomp and circumstance was complete, we began our exploration of Monaco’s Old Town. We discovered the Chocolaterie de Monaco and had to stop in for some treats.
We walked to the perimeter of Monaco’s Old Town and looked out at the ample construction taking place on the hillside. We could see the palace in the distance and a sweeping view of the harbour lined with expensive yachts.
We turned inland and admired the narrow streets and ornate architecture and figures characterizing the old town. We stopped for lunch at a local pizzeria (La Tavernetta) which included wine and chips.
Beware…we split 1 pizza for lunch and were charged a fee of 6.95 euro. It was very clear that this was the case on the menu but it felt a bit excessive to me, especially given that it was the low season and the restaurant was half empty.
I spotted a horseshoe hanging on the wall and wondered if it was an omen of good luck to come at the Monte Carlo Casino!
From Monaco Old Town to Waterfront
We had walked clear across Monaco old town (only a few blocks, actually) and decided to descend from the opposite side from which we started through a lush park. En route down the trail, we spied a rough-and-tumble kitty carefully eyeing a bird in the bushes. We left them to taunt their supper and continued down the path.
Stately lampposts lined the path. Looking up, we could see how far we’d come through the trees. We arrived at a statue of a sea captain (apparently an old-time member of the Monaco Royal family).
We spied a helicopter in the distance — as you do in Monaco! We saw a graceful octopus in residence outside the aquarium (Musée Océanographique de Monaco). More sculptures were in store including a musical piece.
The trail let out at a small stage/amphitheater.
Continuing along the waterfront, we approached yet another gorgeous statue – a man of action tugging on a wheel. I loved that we spotted a yacht called ‘Money Time’ – how appropriate. We admired the grand boats lined up in port.
We almost caught a snap of a sports car driving past a statue representing the Monaco Grand Prix. We walked through the Monaco Christmas Market and were surprised to see several furry bears dancing around. Totally unexpected.
We completed our walk on the grounds of the Monte Carlo Casino. I swapped my walking shoes for silver pumps (I felt a touch like Cinderella) and we were on our way to experience the magic!
Visiting Monte Carlo Casino
It costs 2.50 EUR each way to travel by public bus from Nice to the Principality of Monaco. It cost 20 euros plus passport ID to get into the famous Monte Carlo Casino. We approached the casino from the outside and admired the grand façade that I imagined was built and gilded by the proceeds of the roulette wheel.
Out back, there were beautiful views of the Riviera with gorgeous sculptures and well-coiffed hedges. Expensive sports cars lined the VIP parking spaces in front of the casino. We couldn’t resist checking out the spectacle so we paid our entrance fee and went inside.
The interior was even more over-the-top and posh. Photographs aren’t allowed on the casino floor but I can describe the scene. I was surprised to find that the minimum bet on the roulette wheel was 5 euro.
At that price, we sat down at the table and plunked down 50 euro — a reasonable cost for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We played our chips one at a time. Others were moving back and forth playing at two roulette tables simultaneously – now that’s hard core.
I had to hide my amazement when an older gentleman waltzed up to the table, plopped down two crisp 500-euro notes (I didn’t realize they came that large!) and proceeded to play all those chips on a single spin of the roulette wheel. He lost.
After we inevitably lost our small investment at the table, we retired to the lounge for a drink. Once again, the Monte Carlo Casino was pretty swank and worth visiting simply for the lavish atmosphere and to people-watch. Even the snacks were fancy.
Our drinks came with potato chips and a generous selection of mixed nuts. I took some time to savor my surroundings. I don’t normally wear heels considering all the walking I do.
However, in this instance, by swapping my walking shoes for silver pumps right before entering the casino, I blended right in. I could get used to this…
Monaco After Dark
We left the Monte Carlo Casino and walked to the bus stop (after I changed out of my heels, of course) to catch the bus back from Monaco to Nice (did I mention it only cost a euro at the time of our visit?) The Monte Carlo Casino looked gorgeous lit up in the distance. We came to a commercial strip en route and were lured into the Pâtisserie Riviera.
We picked up a sparkly orange cream cake to celebrate the New Year. As we paused near this crossroads, we noticed a curious thing. Monaco had disco music piped into the streets.
Not only that, but they were playing It’s Raining Men. Public disco was about the most unlikely thing I expected to experience in Monaco but was one of the most entertaining moments for us as our day trip from Nice to Monaco by bus drew to a close.
