Before heading to Spain, I insisted on visiting one of the world’s smallest countries, Monaco. Though some people say it’s not very interesting unless you plan to splurge at the casinos, I still decided to spend half a day in this country nestled between France and Italy. So, we took bus no.100 from Nice harbor to Monte Carlo.
As I mentioned before, Kyle and I spent four days in Nice, France, dedicating one of those days for a day trip to Monaco. Kyle, who had visited Monaco once after graduating high school, wasn’t very excited about the idea of going again—especially with my ambitious suggestion to visit Andorra as well! But since we were already in the French Riviera and Monaco was just a stone’s throw away from Nice, and because I might not return here in the future, he agreed to come along and head to the Nice harbor with me.
VISITING MONACO: IS MONACO A COUNTRY OR A CITY IN FRANCE?
Monaco is a sovereign city-state and principality located in the French Riviera. It shares land borders on three sides with France and borders the Mediterranean Sea on the other. Ruled by Prince Albert II, Monaco is just over 2 km², making it the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican (which I visited in 2016). Despite its tiny area and small population of 38,695 people (in 2017), 30% of Monaco’s residents are billionaires. Monaco is also known as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places on earth, partly due to its tax policies.
In Monaco, there is no income tax, and business taxes are minimal. During my visit, I heard that many Italians from nearby towns commute daily to work in Monaco to enjoy high salaries without paying taxes. Who wouldn’t want that?
Famous for its stunning Mediterranean scenery, Monaco attracts elite tourists with its many casino resorts and shopping centers. The official language is French, but English and Italian are also widely spoken.
VISITING MONACO: DO YOU NEED A VISA?
Monaco isn’t part of the European Union, but because it borders France, it’s treated like a Schengen country. For Indonesian citizens, a Schengen visa allows entry to Monaco, but you have to enter via France. When I visited, I don’t remember my passport being checked at all, nor did I get a stamp.
If you’re a stamp collector, you can get a Monaco stamp at the tourist office, which is also a stop for bus no.100. It’s located at 2A Boulevard des Moulins, north of the garden across from the casino.
VISITING MONACO: HOW TO GET THERE
One of the best things about visiting Monaco is how accessible and affordable transportation is in the French Riviera. Getting to Monaco from Nice is easy; just take bus no.100 towards Monaco/Menton from the Nice harbor. Tickets cost only €1.5 and are bought directly from the driver. Even if the bus is full, it’s no problem—buses arrive every 15 minutes (every 20 minutes on Sundays).
Taking the bus is the best way to reach Monaco because you can enjoy the stunning French Riviera view from inside the bus. Sit on the right side. In 45 minutes, the bus took Kyle and me directly into the heart of Monte Carlo, where we got off at the Monte Carlo/Casino/Tourist Office stop. This is where you can get a Monaco stamp on your passport and, of course, visit the casino. Other stops include Place d’Armes, the port, and Place de Moulins.
You can also take a train to Monaco, with tickets available on Omio. The fare is slightly more expensive at €4, but the trip only takes about 20 minutes.
VISITING MONACO: GETTING AROUND
Since Kyle and I were only in Monaco for half a day, we explored the city on foot and enjoyed lunch at a Japanese restaurant. Monaco is so small that you can easily walk around to see the sights. For those who prefer not to walk, there’s a bus service, with tickets available from the driver (€2) or from ticket machines (€1.5). You can also get a day-pass for €5.5 or a 12-trip card for €11.
In the summer, don’t miss taking the bateau bus, a water shuttle that will take you across the Monaco harbor for the same price as a regular bus ticket.
VISITING MONACO: THINGS TO SEE & DO
- Monte Carlo Casino
From the outside, it looks like a palace in Austria, but this building is actually the Casino de Monte Carlo, a famous entertainment complex in Monaco’s capital, Monte Carlo. If you want to enter this iconic gambling spot featured in Hollywood films, you’ll need to dress up, especially in the evenings.
Entry tickets cost €10 from October to May and €12 from May to October.
- Prince’s Palace of Monaco
This is the official residence of Prince Albert II. Built in the 12th century as a fortress, it offers stunning views of Monte Carlo. Entry tickets are €8 for adults and €4 for children. Those interested in classic cars should consider the combined ticket for the palace and vintage car collection, priced at €11.50 for adults and €5 for children.
Beyond these sites, there are still more worthwhile spots to visit in Monaco. But since we had to return to Nice (and we actually preferred it there), Kyle and I didn’t get to visit them all. Here are some recommendations if you plan to visit Monaco someday:
1. Oceanographic Museum
Located on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this museum offers amazing sea views, especially from the rooftop garden. Entrance fees range from €11-16 per person.
2. Jardin Exotique De Monaco
This scenic garden, opened in 1933, features a wide variety of succulents and breathtaking views over Monaco and the Mediterranean. Admission is €7.20 for adults and €3.80 for children, and it includes entry to the Prehistoric Anthropology Museum and Observatory Cave.
3. The Japanese Garden Monaco
Located on Avenue Princesse Grace, this garden is designed in a traditional Japanese style, complete with a pond, bridge, gazebo, and a Zen garden for meditation. Entry is free.
4. Mont Agel
A mountain on the border between France and Monaco. It’s only 959 meters high, but I’d love to hike it if I get the chance to return.
5. The Monaco Beach
If you haven’t had enough of the beach in Nice and other Riviera towns, you can visit one of Monaco’s three beaches. Only one of them is suitable for snorkeling and safe for swimming. Personally, Antibes Beach is still my favorite.
Our half-day trip to Monaco was pleasant, although I have to admit that I didn’t find Monaco’s architecture particularly appealing. We also aren’t gamblers, so we preferred keeping our money in our pockets and accounts. While the sea views are stunning, as are the luxury yachts in the harbor, it’s not unique since you get similar views in Nice and Antibes. Monaco is more suited for jet-setters. That said, visiting Monaco is still worth it if you’re curious about this tiny country, home to the Ligue 1 AS Monaco club. And don’t forget to sit on the right side of the bus on the way to Monaco for those fantastic Mediterranean views!