Welcome to Monaco, the world’s second-smallest country set alongside the glamorous French Riviera. It’s a fascinating place where the level of luxury and wealth is beyond comparison. If you wish to indulge in a sophisticated lifestyle for a moment – this is the perfect place. Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Michelin restaurants, high-end shopping, super yachts, fast cars… All of that makes Monaco a world-renowned destination that attracts thousands of curious people. But don’t worry, there is plenty to do for travelers of all budgets! Keep reading and discover things to do during a day trip to Monaco.
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Monaco FAQ
Monaco is located on a less than 4 kilometers long stretch of the Mediterranean coast and is surrounded by the French department of Alpes-Maritimes. It’s just a short drive from popular places on the French Riviera like Nice, Eze, Menton, or Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.
Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world and despite that, it’s known as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places! Immortalized Monte Carlo Casino in James Bond movies, luxurious yachts and cars, Formula 1 events, fancy shopping – those are the words that come first to mind when hearing ‘Monaco’. Apart from all the glitz, Monaco is also known for its charming old town located on the rock.
Of course! In Monaco, you’ll be amazed at each turn – from the glamorous Monte Carlo district and port areas dotted with luxurious yachts to the charming old town telling the stories of the past and beautiful green coastal scenery… Sure, the more money you have, the more you’ll be able to enjoy what Monaco has to offer. But if you aren’t a millionaire, you shouldn’t worry – this country has a lot of various things to offer for all travelers.
One day in Monaco is enough to see most of the main landmarks and get a good feel of what this tiny country is all about. But it’s definitely not enough to see all that it has to offer. So if you want to experience the glamor of Monaco more, we recommend staying at least 3 days.
Thanks to a pleasant Mediterranean climate, Monaco is great to visit any time of year. If you prefer fewer crowds, lower prices and mild temperatures (15-20°C), choose any month in the lower season. If high temperatures around 30°C, higher prices and big crowds don’t bother you – you can visit during the high season, from June to September. Also, we’d recommend against visiting in May during the Monaco Grand Prix – it’s the most expensive time to visit.
Few facts about Monaco
Monaco, or officially the Principality of Monaco, is an independent and sovereign state. It’s governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. He is the son and successor of Prince Rainier III and the Princess Consort Grace of Monaco, formerly known as Grace Kelly (yes, a famous American actress).
Interesting fact. The House of Grimaldi (same family!) has ruled Monaco, only with brief interruptions, since 1297!
Currently, there are about 38k inhabitants in Monaco, represented by over 140 nationalities (up to 64.6% are foreign residents of legal age). French is an official language used in Monaco although English and Italian are widely spoken too. Even though Monaco is not a member of the European Union, it uses the euro as its currency.
Monaco is divided into 9 districts and 6 of them are most popular among tourists: Old Town, Monte-Carlo, La Condamine, Fontvieille, Le Larvotto, and Jardin Exotique. In this post, we’ll mostly focus on the first 3. The map with all the mentioned places is waiting at the bottom of the post.
Things to do in Monaco Old Town district
Monaco Old Town, the historic district of the Principality commonly known as the Rock, is full of colorful houses, picturesque streets, green areas, shops, and restaurants, all leading to the impressive fortress located at the highest point of the Rock. Some say that this area feels like the famous Notting Hill but with a Mediterranean vibe.
In the Monaco Old Town district you’ll find points of interest like Prince’s Palace with Place du Palais square, Monaco Cathedral, Saint-Martin Gardens, Oceanographic Museum, Palace of Justice, and Fort Antoine. There are also two ports on both sides of the rock: Port of Fontvieille and Port Hercule. Let’s take a closer look.
Exploring all that old town district is a must thing to do in Monaco and seeing all it has to offer should take you around 2-3 hours.
Discover: Accommodation options in Monaco
Prince’s Palace & Place du Palais square
Prince’s Palace (fr. Le Palais Princier) is located on Place du Palais square, at the top of the Rock. It was built in the 13th century, remodeled over the centuries, and nowadays is still the residence of the Grimaldi family, currently the Prince of Monaco Albert II and his wife.
Prince’s Palace it’s partially open to the public, but only from April to mid-October. There you’ll be able to discover State Apartments with places like the main courtyard, the Throne Room, or the Hercule Gallery, and many frescoes, paintings, and furniture. Entrance to Prince’s Palace State Apartments costs €10 for adults and €5 for children and students (August 2024). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets visit visitepalaisdemonaco.com website.
Be sure to be at Place du Palais precisely at 11.55am – it’s when the changing of the Palace Guard takes place every day. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Monaco.
To the left of the entrance to the Palace, you’ll also find a viewing point lined with old cannons and cannonballs – spectacular views of the Fontvieille district await!
Book now: Monaco & Monte Carlo tour - F1, Grace Kelly & Royal History
Cathedral of Monaco
Cathedral of Monaco (fr. Cathédrale de Monaco) is a Romanesque Catholic cathedral dating back to the 19th century built on the site of the first parish church in Monaco. It’s entirely made of white stones from nearby La Turbie and dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. In the Cathedral Prince Rainier III married actress Grace Kelly, and many Grimaldi Royal members are buried.
Inside Monaco Cathedral you can admire two organs, a high altar, an Episcopal throne made from white Carrara marble, and the retable by the Niçois painter Louis Bréa, which dates from 1500. The Cathedral is located just a few steps from Saint Martin Gardens and Prince’s Palace and the entrance is free.
While on Cathedral Square be sure to also take a look at the beautiful Palace of Justice building built in 1924, located on the left side. Visits are not possible.
Saint Martin Gardens
Saint Martin Gardens (fr. Jardins Saint-Martin) is a peaceful, green, and terraced area located between the Oceanographic Museum and the Cathedral. It’s the Principality’s first public garden, opened in 1816.
In Saint Martin Gardens you can take a lazy stroll among plants from Mediterranean areas like pine trees, oaks, or pistachio trees, as well as some more exotic species. Amazing views of the sea, and “the “Navigator Prince” bronze statue of Prince Albert I are waiting there too!
Entrance to Saint Martin Gardens is free during opening hours (daily from 9am to 6pm).
Oceanographic Museum
Oceanographic Museum (fr. Musée Océanographique de Monaco) is located in a beautiful building built on the edge of the Rock, right next to Saint Martin Gardens. It was created in 1910 by order of Prince Albert I and is dedicated to undersea research.
Inside you’ll find an aquarium with a wide variety of marine species (like coral reef, sharks, turtles, or jellyfish) and a museum with plenty of informative displays and models. Visiting the Oceanographic Museum is definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Monaco, especially if you’re interested in marine life.
Entrance to the Oceanographic Museum costs €19 for adults and €12 for children between 4-17 (August 2024). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets visit musee.oceano.org website.
Book now: Ticket to Oceanographic Museum
Fort Antoine Theatre
Fort Antoine (fr. Théâtre du Fort Antoine) is an early 18th-century fort currently hosting performances during summer months in its open-air theater. It was destroyed in 1944 and rebuilt a few years later by the orders of Prince Rainier III.
From Fort Antoine you can admire amazing views over the sea, coast, Port Hercule, and Monaco itself. There you can also spend some relaxing time in green, shaded areas away from huge crowds. Entrance is free, except for performances.
Things to do in La Condamine district
La Condamine district is a place full of charm where modernity mixes with history. Colorful houses, modern buildings, picturesque streets and squares, restaurants, and shops, are located in a beautiful area behind Port Hercules. Just wander around and enjoy the vibe.
In the La Condamine district, you’ll find points of interest like Port Hercule, the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco, the Condamine market, and part of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix circuit. Let’s take a closer look.
Discover: Accommodation options in Monaco
Port Hercules
Port Hercule (fr. Port Hercule) is located at the foot of the Rock. It was already used in ancient times by Greeks and Romans but the modern port was completed only in 1926. Later it underwent improvements in the 1970s and 2011 to adapt to the needs of the time.
Nowadays, Port Hercules is the only deep-water port in Monaco with around 700 moorings available for luxurious yachts and smaller boats alike. The largest spot can accept a yacht up to 130m in length!
Be sure to take a good, long stroll around Port Hercule up to Monaco Yacht Club – it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Monaco during your day trip!
Book now: Nice to Monaco Round-Trip Ferry Tickets
Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco
Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco (fr. La Collection Automobiles de S.A.S. le Prince de Monaco) is an interesting museum located in Port Hercules just a few steps from the iconic Formula 1 circuit. It showcases a wide collection of high-end, racing, and vintage vehicles collected by the Princes of Monaco since the 1950s.
Inside you’ll find for example racing cars that have competed in the Monaco F1 Grand Prix and cars important to the Grimaldi Family, like the Lexus made for the wedding of Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene. We’re sure that not only car lovers will appreciate this place!
While in front of the museum take a good look at the road – it’s part of the Monaco F1 Grand Prix circuit!
Entrance to the Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco costs €10 for adults and €5 for children and students (August 2024). Or current prices, opening hours, and online tickets visit mtcc.mc website.
Book now: Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour
La Condamine market
If you want to experience some of the more local vibe, and less luxurious one, be sure to head to La Condamine market located on Place d’Armes. Each morning this square turns into an open-air market full of colorful stalls and delicious regional products. There are also some restaurants and cafes around, located under the arcades (including Santo Gelato Monaco selling one of the best ice creams we’ve ever eaten!).
Oh, and don’t forget to look up while on the square – nice views over the Rock and Prince’s Palace await!
View over Monaco from La Turbie
If you’re looking for fantastic views over Monaco (especially nice ones over the Rock and Port Hercule) you’ll find them in La Turbie village. It’s located above Monaco, at an altitude of 450 m a.s.l. You can also choose to take a fairly short and easy trail to Dog’s Head viewpoint located at a slightly higher point, at 550m a.s.l. You can easily get to La Turbie from Monaco by car or by bus (20 minutes ride).
Things to do in Monte Carlo district
Monte Carlo district is without a doubt the most iconic area in Monaco that simply can’t be missed during your day trip. In Monaco almost everything revolves around luxury, but in this district you’ll experience it at its best. Casino, high-end brands, Michelin restaurants, fancy dresses, millionaires, supercars… It’s all there.
In the Monte Carlo district, you’ll find points of interest like Place du Casino square with the famous Monte Carlo Casino, Casino Gardens, Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo, One Monte-Carlo – an area full of high-end brands, and St. Charles Church. Also don’t forget to take a good look at the iconic 5* Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
If you wish to put on your fancy clothes and try exceptional cuisine try to book a table in one of Monaco’s Michelin restaurants. You can take a look at Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse, Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, R – La Table d’Antonio Salvatore, or Yoshi (the only Japanese restaurant on Cote d’Azur that won a Michelin star).
Monaco Tourism Office is located in Monte Carlo too, at Boulevard des Moulins, just a few steps from the Casino.
Book now: Formula 1 Track, Monaco, and Monte-Carlo Night Tour
Place du Casino square & Monte Carlo Casino
The legendary Place du Casino square probably needs no introduction. This square is home to many elegant Beaux-Arts buildings filled with luxurious hotels, boutiques, and restaurants. There’s also a lovely small garden, and of course a world-renowned casino made famous in James Bond movies.
Visiting some parts of Monte Carlo Casino (Atrium, Café de la Rotonde, and Boutique) is available for free every day from 10am to 1pm. During this time you can also choose to visit with an audio guide to learn more about history and heritage. It costs €19 for adults and €14 for children (August 2024). For more information and current prices visit montecarlosbm.com website.
At 2pm gaming rooms open and from that time for free you’ll only be able to see the Atrium. For more you’ll have to pay €19 for a ticket which includes a €10 voucher to spend at the bar or at the slot machines. Of course you can also spend more and try your luck on various slot machines or roulettes! It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Monaco worth trying.
Also remember that there are some entrance rules so be sure to read and follow them all before your visit. To learn more check montecarlosbm.com website.
Fancy taking part in a concert? In the same building as the Casino there’s also the magnificent Opera de Monte-Carlo! On the opera.mc website you can check the current schedule – don’t forget to reserve your spot in advance!
One more thing! If you’re in Monaco for fast cars – Place du Casino is exactly the spot where you’ll have the highest chances to see a lot of them. Well… Unless there’s some fancy wedding planned on the square and you’ll leave empty-handed like we did.
Book now: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour
Shopping in Monte Carlo
Alongside Paris, Milan, Cannes, and London, Monaco is a fantastic destination for luxury shopping. No matter if you have some money to spend or you’re up only for window shopping – while in Monaco you can’t miss strolling around streets and shopping malls filled with luxurious brands. Clothes, perfume, jewelry… it’s all there!
In the Monte Carlo district be sure to visit the spectacular Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo and One Monte-Carlo area and feel like a million dollars for a moment!
Discover: Accommodation options in Monaco
Other things to do in Monaco
Do you still have the time and energy to see more places during your day trip to Monaco? Great! Here’s a list of other great things to do. We didn’t have more time for them but for sure we’ll visit next time.
Fontvieille district was built entirely on land reclaimed from the sea. It’s the westernmost district bordering France, mostly residential. There you’ll find places like Port of Fontvieille with nice restaurants and shops around, as well as Princess Grace Rose Garden.
Exotic Garden district is located above Fontvieille. It’s a place where different styles and eras meet, and amazing views over Monaco await. There are places like the Exotic Garden with a wide variety of cacti and other succulent plants from all over the world, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology with a collection of fossils and prehistoric artifacts from surrounding areas, Villa Paloma housing National Museum of Monaco, and Princess Antoinette park with great views over the Rock and the sea.
Le Larvotto district is located to the east of Monte Carlo. It’s most popular thanks to the artificial, yet very beautiful, sandy Larvotto Beach. In this area you’ll also find Princess Grace Japanese Garden – a small green area with a pond and tea house, and the National Museum of Monaco – a contemporary art museum located in Villa Sauber.
Book now: Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Bonus tip: Monapass App
Monapass is a unique ticketing application available in Monaco. With the app you can buy tickets and passes for public transport (buses, MonaBike electric bicycles, and public street parking), and for cultural and leisure activities (like Oceanographic Museum, Prince’s Palace, or Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco). You’ll also get real-time updates on nearby transport options.
Seems like a great app that will make planning your trip to Monaco easier. It’s available on iOS and Android. For more information visit monapass.mc website.
Explore local attractions
How to get to Monaco
Monaco is located about 20km from Nice, 15km from Menton, 10km from Eze, 45km from Antibes, and 50km from Cannes. The most convenient way to get to Monaco is by car, or train.
Where to park in Monaco?
In Monaco you can leave your car in one of many paid parking lots. We can recommend Parking Ostende located right next to Port Hercules just a few steps from Monte Carlo Casino.
Airports near Monaco
The closest airport to Monaco is located in Nice, only 25km away. From the airport, you can get to the city by bus, tram+train, taxi or rental. You can check available connections on rome2rio.com website.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
To Monaco by train
You can easily get to Monaco by train from many nearby places like Nice, Antibes, Menton, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Grasse, or Villefranche-sur-Mer. Monaco Monte-Carlo train station is located underground in the Condamine district, on the border with France. To learn more about train connections that interest you visit sncf.com or rome2rio.com website.
For great train ticket deals visit Trainline website.
To Monaco by bus
You can also quite easily reach Monaco by bus. For example, a trip from Nice will take about 50min (€3), 30min from Menton (€3) and 2h from Cannes. To learn more about bus connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Monaco with an organized tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning, you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details. For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options be sure to visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Book now: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip
Day Trip To Monaco – Summing up
Now you’re ready to explore Monaco and immerse in its elegance and luxury. As you can see, this tiny country has plenty to offer. Number of attractions and places to discover there is quite long and we’re sure that you’ll find something perfect for yourself.
No matter if you’re looking for luxurious experiences, an adrenaline boost at casinos, cultural events, a charming old town, or relaxing on the beach… Monaco has it all, and even more. We wish you a great time during your day trip to Monaco!
Our video from Monaco
Our opinion about Monaco
For us, a visit to Monaco was a day trip from Cannes where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in early November and during that time we didn’t come across huge crowds. In the morning, when we were exploring the Port Hercules areas we were two of just a few other tourists there. We needed about 9 hours to explore all the mentioned places in Monaco, but unfortunately, we didn’t manage to see all we wanted. We’ll catch up next time!
Monaco didn’t impress us that much. Actually… it did and it didn’t at the same time. It was nice, pleasant, and super clean but also looked just like a big blob of apartment buildings.
What we liked most was strolling around the Old Town and La Condamine districts, especially in the port area. In Monte Carlo, we were unlucky as we came across wedding preparations at Place du Casino square and everything was closed/cluttered/busy. We saw only three supercars too. But Metropole Shopping and streets with high-end boutiques made quite a big impression there.
Overall, Monaco didn’t strike us as the most exciting place on the French Riviera but we think it’s worth a visit. If only to dive into all the luxury it has to offer. And we want to revisit it too, to give it another chance (and play some games in the world’s most famous casino!).
Book now: Monaco Formula 1 Walking Tour - The INSIDE Track Monaco F1
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Monaco?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Monaco:
Where to sleep in Monaco?
Fairmont Monte Carlo
The Fairmont Monte Carlo is a luxurious hotel offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, located in the heart of Monaco. This prestigious accommodation features spacious rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, a spa, and multiple fine dining options, including the renowned Nobu restaurant. Situated near iconic attractions like the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, the Fairmont Monte Carlo provides an opulent experience.
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo is an iconic luxury hotel located in the heart of Monaco, renowned for its historic charm and opulent amenities. The hotel offers elegantly designed rooms and suites, world-class dining at restaurants like Le Louis XV by Alain Ducasse, and a prestigious location adjacent to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. With its exceptional service and exquisite décor, this hotel provides an unparalleled experience of glamour and sophistication.
Columbus Hotel
Columbus Hotel offers a stylish and contemporary retreat in the upscale district of Fontvieille in Monaco. The hotel features elegantly furnished rooms and suites, many with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea or the Princess Grace Rose Garden. Guests can enjoy a serene ambiance, modern amenities, and easy access to nearby attractions, making it a perfect choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking comfort and convenience in Monaco.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
