‘I spent six hours in one of Europe’s most expensive countries’

While on holiday in Nice in the South of France, I decided to take a day trip to Monaco – one of Europe’s most exclusive destinations.

Hopping on the train, which takes less than half an hour, you really can’t miss the opportunity to see both Nice and Monaco as part of the same trip.

Just a few hours or a day trip is enough to see everything in the small mircostate – I spent around six hours there in total.

Considering the reputation Monaco has, I was surprised to see how small the place really was. After six hours, it felt as though surely we’d missed something and there was more to see, hidden somewhere that we hadn’t yet discovered. However, this was not the case and we really did appear to have seen most of Monaco.

Even though there aren’t endless amounts of things do to, what is there, really is worth seeing. The grandeur is fascinating and the streets are flawless. 

Monte Carlo, famous for its casino, is one of the four quarters of the principality. The casino is at the heart of Monte Carlo and is surrounded by palm trees and flashy cars.

Film crews have used the casino as a set many times – most famously James Bond films ‘Never say Never Again’ and ‘GoldenEye’ feature the casino.

Even though I’d never usually take an open top bus tour, this seemed to be a good way to see the city. I’d recommend taking the bus tour as although Monaco is small, places worth seeing are quite far away from each other if you plan to walk.

The highlight for me was seeing Monaco castle and the changing of the guards which takes place at 11.55am every day in front of the royal entrance on Palace Square.

While we were there, one lady fainted and the guards rushed to her aid in a chivalrous film-esque rescue. 

Around the castle, there are lots of great viewpoints where you can stare out at the blue sea through the trees which adds to the Monaco charm. 

There are also many resturaunts in the lanes around the castle which have a casual luxury feel about them and are an ideal place to stop for lunch.

There are also beaches to visit in Monaco where you’ll be surrounded by the city in the near background. Both public beaches are artificial but both are pleasant and lively.

Larvotto beach is the largest, streching over 400km – it was nice to stop off for an ice cream here and a break from the heat.

To remember your trip, the Visit Monaco tourist building offers visitors a free souvenir passports which have been available since 2020. All you need to do is simply go into the tourist information point and ask for one – you will be handed a mock red passport which will be stamped and dated with the day you visit.

A fun personalised keepsake which is a unique memento from your visit.