Is Nice and Monaco worth going to?
- Robert Anderson
- Mar 3
- 11 min read
This post is for the sun-worshipping tourist who wants a bit of bling to their getaway. Nice and Monaco have been on my travel bucket list for a long time, and every time I watch the Monaco Grand Prix on TV, I always say ‘I need to go.’ So at last, I booked to travel to the sun-drenched shores of Nice, the definition of the French Riviera, where azure seas meet rocky beaches, and relaxation is encouraged.
Nice: The Pinnacle of Côte d'Azur
I traveled from Marseille to Nice by train on an InOui SNCF, which took around 3 hours. The journey was memorable for the views alone; you speed along the shores of the Mediterranean, passing through Toulon, St-Raphael, and Cannes, and paradise-looking beaches.
As I left the train at Nice Ville station, it immediately had the feel of an upmarket seaside town. My hotel was a 10-minute walk from the train station and allowed me to explore some of the streets, which all have an Art Nouveau vibe.
Arriving at the hotel, which was an Accor Mercure, it was near the sea and very close to restaurants and shops. I had paid extra for a balcony and a big room but was slightly disappointed that the room was quite small and the balcony didn’t have any privacy (or view), but I was there for a tourist experience, and it was fine for my needs.
Exploring Nice's Coast
Nice, renowned for its shoreline, beckoned me for a walk along the famous Promenade des Anglais, translated as the Walkway of the English, as so many English aristocrats visited Nice in the 18th century. What surprised me was that Nice had a rocky beach and not sand; it was certainly a popular scene judging by the sun worshippers in the public and private areas shielded by umbrellas, but if you visit, bring footwear.
I then walked up the hill Quai Rauba Capeu, offering splendid views and a chance to take a selfie with the I Love Nice sculpture and then down again past a quirky monument called Nine Oblique Lines, which was erected in 2010 to celebrate the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the annexation of the County of Nice by France.
Discovering the Old Town in Nice
The Old Town, not far from the beach, has narrow streets lined with gelato stalls, boutiques, and street art, and it was a joy to walk down. I then made my way to Rue Alexandre Mari and arrived at the Fountain de Solei and the Place Massena, the town centre. It is a large plaza with a wavy chessboard pattern on the ground, guarded by yellow bald men on plinths, which is by the Spanish artist Jaume Plensa. They have no name that I can find, but come dusk they begin to glow and twinkle with their ever-changing colours. Locals have mixed views; I thought it was interesting.
I finished my day on Rue Massena, the long narrow street near the sea which has a street full of bistros of every shape, size, and price range. Rue Massena becomes Rue de France, and I found a local Bistro called Le Grand Café de France - restaurant à Nice. I went traditional with French onion soup which was disappointingly watery and steak frites which was fatty and overcooked. Not the best, sadly.
Villefranche-sur-Mer: A Hidden Bay
I started Day 2 with a good hotel breakfast and was ready to do more exploring. From my research on Nice, I was struggling for tourist things to do. The Nice galleries didn’t seem interesting, and I wasn’t into water sports, so I decided to do a bus tour. It was €22 and it took 1.5 hours, but you can hop on and off as much as you like. As I boarded, the driver suggested getting off at stop 5 for the views; this was Villefranche-sur-Mer, a small town along the shore.
The bus took us along the coast, which had more amazing views, and then within 15 minutes, we arrived at the picturesque Villefranche-sur-Mer, a hidden bay town. I happily walked through the historical, narrow streets and absorbed the captivating scenery; it was like a pirate cove you see in a movie (minus the pirates). You can walk along the water, and there are beaches for you to sunbathe. You also have the option to explore Fort du Mont Alban, a 16th-century fortress with great views over the bay.
The journey back took me to Port Lympia, where I hopped off to have a wander. The port, as you would expect, is lined with many boats and yachts of every size, and the ferry port to get to Corsica also leaves from here, which takes just under 5 hours.
I stopped off at a bakery called J F Boivin artisan Boulanger Pâtissier du Port, and I bought myself a cheese and ham sandwich and a slice of flan, and they were both amazing. The lady behind the counter was also brilliant and spoke perfect English, which is always appreciated.
After my lunch, I walked up to the sea wall and came to the Monument aux Morts War Memorial, which is carved into the rock and is very impressive.
I finished my day early to get out of the heat, and in the evening, after a shower and a rest, I ventured out for dinner and had an amazing meal at a restaurant called Oscars on Rue Massena. It was the best salmon fillet I have ever had (and I am from Scotland), and the profiteroles were so indulgent.
Monaco: The Millionaire's Playground
On my final day, I wanted to visit Monaco, just 20 minutes by train from Nice. Now, be warned, if you’re a tourist in Nice, Monaco will be on your agenda as well as everyone else, so the trains are packed, there and back, and it was very uncomfortable.
As an F1 fan, I was excited to be in Monaco, and having watched the Grand Prix for the past 30 years, I was expecting to recognise the place the moment I emerged from the train station, but I honestly didn’t. In my defence, we were quite high up, and nothing was familiar.
I saw signs to the Casino, so I followed them and navigated my way through the narrow streets and some buildings. My intention was to walk the F1 track, and I thought if I got to the Casino, it would all become clear…it still didn’t. The casino, however, was very impressive, and the cars pulling up to it were very expensive.
I walked down the hill, and I’m embarrassed to say I was lost; nothing really looked like the track. Then I realised that when I see this place on TV, it’s full of crowd seating, and I don’t really see the buildings. After a lot of Googling, I got my bearings and realised where the pit lane is and the first corner, and I was off! Anderson navigated to turn 1 at Sainte Devote, up the hill past Beau Rivage and Massenet, past the Casino, down to Mirabeau, around the Grand Hotel hairpin, past Portier, through the tunnel and out to the swimming pool, past Rascasse and over the finish line. I had done it, walked the track in about 20 minutes.
It was about 35 degrees C, and after my walk, I was exhausted, so I decided to cool down by joining a bus tour. This was a relief, and it meant I could see Monaco beyond the racetrack. I was taken through the narrow streets of the old town, past the Oceanographic Museum, Place du Palais, and a viewpoint which had a panoramic view of the country; it was worth doing.
Monaco is small but very built up and an interesting place to explore. It won’t take long to navigate around the place, and from a tourist perspective, there isn’t a huge amount here that will entertain you for more than a day, but if you want to be pampered, sunbathe, or shop, you won’t be disappointed, just bring money, lots of money.
So, is Nice and Monaco worth going to?
As the sun set on the azure landscapes of Nice and Monaco, I have enjoyed my time. Nice, with its relaxed ambiance, diverse eateries, and historic charm, proved to be a haven for those seeking a leisurely escape. Monaco, on the other hand, unfolded as a glamorous destination for the elite, with its historic charm and racing legacy.
So is Nice and Monaco worth going to? Nice is indeed nice—a place to unwind, embrace the Mediterranean spirit, and indulge in a bit of sun-soaked R&R, it’s not for the tourist who likes to keep busy or who wants to explore museums or historical monuments all day.
Nice Tourist information and online resources
For further assistance during your visit, the Nice Tourist Office is a valuable resource, providing information about the city's attractions, transportation, and more.
Address: Tourist Office Nice Côte D'Azur, Av. Thiers, 06000 Nice, France
Map Location: View on Google Maps
Closest landmark: Nice Ville train station
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 9.00am to 6.00pm, Sunday 10:00am to 5:00pm
FAQ's about Nice
Please find below some common questions tourists ask about visiting Nice:
Is Nice safe for tourists?
Yes, Nice is generally considered safe for tourists and I certainly didn't feel unsafe at any time during my stay. Like any destination, it's essential to stay vigilant and take standard precautions.
What is the best time to visit Nice?
When I went in July, it was incredibly hot so I would say the best time to visit Nice is during the cooler months (April to June) and (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are not as large.
How do I get from the airport to the city centre?
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is near to the city and you can get a bus, taxi, and a tram. Taxis and buses are readily available at the airport.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Nice?
Yes credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Nice, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases.
What are the must-visit attractions in Nice?
Promenade des Anglais, Old Town (Vieux Nice), Castle Hill, Cours Saleya Market, and the Marc Chagall National Museum are popular attractions in Nice. See above for more information.
How is the public transportation system in Nice?
Nice has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams. The city is also pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. If you're there to see the main sites, I suggest using the hop on hop off bus tour as that will take you to the main sites.
Are there beaches in Nice?
Yes, Nice has both public and private beaches along the Promenade des Anglais. The beaches are pebbly rather than sandy, so bringing appropriate footwear is recommended.
What are the local delicacies to try in Nice?
Some local delicacies to try include Socca (chickpea pancake), Niçoise salad, Ratatouille, and Pissaladière (onion tart). Also, try local wines and Pastries like Pan Bagnat.
Is it necessary to rent a car in Nice?
Renting a car is not necessary for exploring Nice itself, as the city is well-connected by public transportation. However, if you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car might be beneficial. If you are just thinking Monaco, the train is very easy.
How can I day trip from Nice to nearby destinations?
Popular day trips from Nice include Monaco, Cannes, Antibes, Eze, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. You can use trains, buses, or organised tours to visit these nearby attractions.
What is the currency used in Nice?
The currency used in Nice is the Euro (€)
Are English speakers common in Nice?
Yes, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, learning a few basic French phrases can be appreciated by locals.
Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of?
It's polite to greet people with a "Bonjour" (good morning) or "Bonsoir" (good evening). Also, it's customary to wait for the host to initiate the greeting in social situations.
How is the nightlife in Nice?
Nice has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and beachfront venues. The Old Town is particularly lively in the evenings.
Can I use public transportation to explore the French Riviera from Nice?
Yes, public transportation, including trains and buses, is an excellent way to explore the French Riviera from Nice. It provides easy access to neighbouring towns and cities.
Monaco Tourist information and online resources
For further assistance during your visit to Monaco, theTourist Office is a valuable resource, providing information about the city's attractions, transportation, and more.
Address: Office du Tourisme de Monaco, 2 Bd des Moulins, 98000 Monaco
Map Location: View on Google Maps
Website: https://www.visitmonaco.com/en
Closest landmark: Monte Carlo Casino
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5.30pm, Sunday: Closed
FAQ's about Monaco
Please find below some common questions tourists ask about visiting Monaco
Is Monaco safe for tourists?
Yes, Monaco is considered very safe for tourists. It has a low crime rate, and the authorities prioritise the safety of residents and visitors.
What is the best time to visit Monaco?
The best time to visit Monaco is during the cooler months (April to June) and (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.
How do I get to Monaco from Nice?
Monaco is easily accessible from Nice by train, bus, or car. The train journey is particularly scenic and takes around 20 minutes.
What are the must-visit attractions in Monaco?
Popular attractions include the Prince's Palace, Casino de Monte-Carlo, Oceanographic Museum, Monaco-Ville (Old Town), and the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit.
Can I visit the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo?
Yes, the Casino de Monte-Carlo is open to visitors, and you can explore the public areas. Note that there is a dress code, and visitors must be at least 18 years old.
Are credit cards widely accepted in Monaco?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Monaco, especially in upscale establishments. However, it's advisable to have some cash for smaller transactions.
Is Monaco expensive for tourists?
Monaco is known for being one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Prices for accommodation, dining, and activities can be high.
Are there public beaches in Monaco?
Monaco has some public and private beaches, but they are small and can get crowded. Larvotto Beach is the main public beach in Monaco.
How is the public transportation system in Monaco?
Monaco has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and a scenic train line. Taxis are also readily available.
Are there any cultural events or festivals in Monaco?
Monaco hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Monaco Grand Prix, the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, and the Monaco Yacht Show.
Can I walk the entire country of Monaco?
Yes, Monaco is a small principality, and it's possible to explore much of it on foot. The hilly terrain provides stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Are there family-friendly activities in Monaco?
Yes, Monaco offers family-friendly activities such as the Oceanographic Museum, the Exotic Garden, and the Princess Grace Rose Garden.
Can I take a day trip from Monaco to nearby destinations?
Yes, popular day trips include Nice, Eze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Menton. Public transportation or organized tours are available.
Is there a specific dress code in Monaco?
While Monaco is generally stylish, there is no strict dress code for most places. However, more formal attire is recommended when visiting upscale establishments.
Can I use English in Monaco?
English is widely spoken in Monaco, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. However, learning a few basic French phrases is appreciated by locals.