A splendid casino immortalized in the James Bond saga, a Prince’s Palace perched on a rock, a legendary Formula 1 Grand Prix… discover how to immerse yourself in the luxury of the Principality of Monaco, an extraordinary city that won’t leave you indifferent.
We share our ideas on the best things to do in Monaco for a weekend, or a longer vacation.
Here are all our favorite activities to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Stroll through the Rocher district
Why visit?
The Rocher is arguably Monaco’s must-see location, and it’s also our favorite. As well as offering magnificent panoramic views of the coast, it boasts well-preserved architecture that reminded us of Nice. As you wander through its charming little streets, you’ll discover the Principality’s main landmarks: the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum and the Prince’s Palace.
We also recommend a visit to the Chapelle de la Miséricorde, with its splendid 17th-century Baroque decor. If you’re ready to take a stroll below the Rocher, you can discover Fort Antoine. This military fortress is used as an open-air theater and provides a view of Solarium Beach (an artificial concrete beach).
Practical advice
- Allow 2 to 3 hours to discover the whole of the Rocher.
- You’ll need to be in good physical condition: the climb up to the Rocher is steep, and there are a number of staircases for walking below.
- A large number of bars and restaurants are available.
- To avoid the crowds, don’t hesitate to take the streets that run parallel to the main thoroughfares from Palace Square.
2. Visit the Prince’s Palace and watch the changing of the guard
Why visit?
The princely family resides and governs in the Palais Princier. However, one part of the building can be visited: the Grands Appartements. It features a splendid main courtyard, numerous 16th-century frescoes, and even the Throne Room! The exterior is equally impressive, with its medieval dwelling built in the 13th century, and the elegance of the rest of the facade (16th-17th century).
Life at the Palace is punctuated every day by the changing of the guard. At 11:55 a.m., the Prince’s Carabinieri, a military corps created in 1817, take turns ensuring the safety of the Palace and the princely family. Lined up in a row, they cross the Place du Palais, handling their weapons to the sound of drums.
Practical advice
- Allow 1h to 1h30 for the visit (depending on possible closures due to restoration work).
- For the changing of the guard, plan to arrive about 20 minutes before 11:55 a.m. to have a good view of the ceremony.
- If you’re not interested in the changing of the guard, avoid going to the Rocher in the late morning, as the Place du Palais is crowded with tourists.
- Prices: €10 (adults) / €5 (children).
- Opening hours: open only in season, from April to mid-October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from July to August, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (see official website for updates ).
Read our article on the Palais Princier.
WHERE TO STAY IN Monaco
Option 1: In Monte Carlo
Discover luxury palaces in Monaco’s most sought-after district:
- Hotel de Paris – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hermitage Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Métropole – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Larvotto
Close to Larvotto beach, you’ll find some splendid resort hotels.
We recommend..:
- Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – view prices, pictures and availability
- Le Méridien Beach Plaza – view prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: At Port-Hercule
Boutique hotels, with superb views of the port and the Rock.
- Hotel Miramar – prices, pictures and availability
- Port Palace – see prices, photos and availability
3. Discover the Casino de Monte-Carlo
Why visit?
A luxurious landmark in the Monte-Carlo district, this casino has been immortalized in numerous films, including the James Bond saga. This mythical institution is not only an entertainment venue frequented by celebrities, but also a remarkable monument. Designed in the Belle Époque style in 1879 by Charles Garnier, who also built the Opéra Garnier in Paris.
If you’re not a gambling enthusiast, don’t worry, it’s open every day from 10am to 1pm for sightseeing tours. You can discover its dazzling interior, including the Europe Room with its 8 monumental chandeliers.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour for the visit.
- Price: €18
- Opening hours: open daily from 10am to 1pm for sightseeing, and from 2pm to 4am for games.
- During playtime, you must be of legal age and properly dressed to enter.
See our article on the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
4. Visit the Oceanographic Museum
Why visit?
Monaco’s emblematic Oceanographic Museum, 85m high and built into the side of the Rock, is an impressive sight. We took the time to admire its architectural ornaments, which, both inside and out, evoke the marine world. Created on the initiative of Prince Albert I, who led 28 scientific campaigns on the study of the sea, it was directed by the famous Captain Cousteau from 1957 to 1988.
Since its inauguration in 1910, it has housed a rich collection of archives, measuring instruments and models. It houses the world’s largest cabinet of marine curiosities, with over 1,000 objects. The museum is also popular for its aquarium, focusing on tropical and Mediterranean species.
Practical advice
- Allow 2 to 3 hours for the visit.
- Book your ticket now.
- Prices: €19 (adult) / €12 (child) / Children under 4 free.
- Opening hours: see the official website here.
- The museum is very busy, so go outside school vacations if you can, or early in the morning.
Discover our article dedicated to the Oceanographic Museum.
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5. Explore Notre Dame-de-L’Immaculée-Conception Cathedral
Why visit?
A Romanesque-Byzantine building, the cathedral is a must-see on the Rock. It’s an important symbol of the Principality’s history. In fact, it was built in place of Saint-Nicolas church. This 14th-century monument was demolished when the diocese of Nice separated from Monaco in 1868. The new cathedral was consecrated in 1911. It is famous for housing the tombs of deceased princes. We also noticed a magnificent 16th-century high altar, 2 organs, and the episcopal throne in white Carrara marble.
Practical advice
- Allow 30 minutes for the visit.
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: open daily from 8.15am to 6pm.
Find out more in our dedicated article.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
6. Admire Prince Rainier III’s automobile collection
Why visit?
This museum is a paradise for car enthusiasts. The Prince Rainier III Collection, which he began in 1950, includes some very luxurious models. On display are vintage cars dating back to the early 20th century, iconic Porsche and Ferrari models, and even the car used by Prince Albert II for his wedding to Charlene of Monaco in 2011! The first floor is occupied by racing models, including the Formula 1s used in the Grand Prix, and cars that left their mark on the Monaco Rally.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour for the visit.
- Prices: €10 (adults) / €5 (children and students).
- Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm (September to June) / 10 am – 7 pm (July and August).
Our article dedicated to Prince Rainier’s Automobile Collection will be available soon.
7. Escape to the Japanese Garden
Why visit?
This garden was created in 1994 on the initiative of Prince Rainier III. It offers a green space in the heart of Monte-Carlo’s massively urbanized district. Designed by Japanese landscape architect Yasuo Beppu, it blends Japanese traditions with Mediterranean elements. The materials used to build the essential elements of a Japanese garden (pond, waterfall, lanterns, bridges, gates, tea house…) were imported from Japan, while the plants are Mediterranean (pine, olive, pomegranate…). We particularly enjoyed the main pool with its superb Koi carp! This is one of our favorite gardens in Monaco.
Practical advice
- Allow 20-30 minutes for the visit.
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: 9am – 5:45pm.
Discover our article dedicated to the Japanese Garden.
8. Relax on Larvotto Beach
Why visit?
This is Monaco’s only public beach. Stretching over 400m, it’s also the largest. It is bordered by a tiled promenade where you’ll find many restaurants and a few shops (beauty salon, gym…). At the far end of the coast, you’ll find resorts like the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, as well as clubs (Coya Bar…). The beach is a mixture of gravel and sand. It has a first-aid station and a surveillance cabin in the center.
Practical advice
- Accessible 24 hours a day.
- Restaurants.
- First-aid station.
- Showers and toilets available along the beach.
- Easily accessible by public transport.
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Smoking is also prohibited on the beach.
Find out more about the beach.
9. Visit Monaco’s New National Museum: Villa Sauber and Villa Paloma
Why visit?
The National Museum of Monaco was founded in 1972. It was initially housed in the Villa Sauber. This Belle Époque villa belonged to the Blanc family, who played a significant role in the development of the Société des Bains de Mer. The latter still operates a number of sites in Monaco, including the Casino de Monte-Carlo. In 2010, a second exhibition space was added to the museum: the Villa Paloma. This early 20th-century villa in the Principality’s heights offered us superb panoramic views. The collection includes 10,000 works of contemporary art, but these can only be seen in temporary exhibitions.
Practical advice
- Allow 30min to 1h for each villa.
- Prices: €6 (adults), free for under-26s and jobseekers.
- Opening hours: open only during the exhibition period. See details of the program on the official website here.
Our articles on Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber.
10. Stroll through the Jardins Saint-Martin
Why visit?
The Jardins Saint-Martin are located on the Rock, between the Oceanographic Museum and the Cathedral. The first public garden to open in the Principality, in 1816, it featured exclusively Mediterranean plants. It was later enriched with exotic species, including numerous cacti. We found this cliffside space superb, with its beautiful sculptures and magnificent ocean views. Don’t miss the promontory and its bronze sculpture by François Cogne. It depicts Prince Albert I as a “prince navigator”.
Practical advice
- Allow 30 minutes for the visit.
- Free admission.
- Opening hours: open daily from 9am to 6pm.
- PRM access at cathedral level, but the lower part of the garden is not suitable because of the many slopes.
Read our dedicated article.
11. Observe the animals in the Animal Garden
Why visit?
The garden was founded in 1954 by Prince Rainier III. It’s located on the south side of the Rock, in our favorite part of Monaco, the family-friendly Fontvieille district. Here you’ll find 250 species of animals, from around 50 different species. You’ll see plenty of domestic animals, as the residents come exclusively from customs seizures, donations or abandonment. Due to the limited size of the garden, certain species are not collected here (felines, etc.). We recommend this visit for families.
Practical advice
- Allow 1 hour for the visit.
- Prices: €6 (adults) / €3 (children) / Free for children under 6.
- Opening times: the wildlife garden is open every day, but opening times vary according to the season. Check them out on the official website here.
- Children’s play area.
- Snack bar.
12. Enjoy the Fontvieille district and the Roseraie Princesse Grace
Why visit?
We’ve already mentioned it, but the Fontvieille district is our favorite in Monaco. Organized around a harbor, it resembles a French seaside resort. From the heights, known as the terraces of Fontvieille, you’ll have a beautiful view of the port and the Mediterranean. Our favorite view, however, is from the harbor, at night, of the monuments on the Rock, which are illuminated as soon as the sun goes down. We walked to the end of the dike, at the lighthouse, and were struck by the calm. You can also take a stroll through the Princess Grace Rose Garden, created by Prince Rainier III as a tribute to his wife Grace Kelly. Here you can admire 315 varieties of roses!
Practical advice
- Allow 2 hours to visit the terraces of Fontvieille and the port, 3 hours with the Roseraie.
- Free admission to the Princess Grace Rose Garden.
- The neighborhood and La Roseraie are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Escalators and elevators take you to the Fontvieille terraces.
Our article on the Princess Grace Rose Garden will be available soon.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
13. Following in the footsteps of the Formula 1 Grand Prix
Why visit?
Monaco is famous for its major events, including the legendary Monaco Grand Prix. This is one of the oldest and most prestigious Formula 1 races. Its urban circuit, made up of tight bends, was designed in 1929 and extends over 3km. It passes through the Condamine district, around Port-Hercule, and Monte-Carlo. It’s here that we find the race‘s most difficult turn, the Fairmont, a real tourist attraction. Motorsport fans from all over the world flock to the Principality at the end of May for this event.
Practical advice
- We recommend a guided tour.
- The Grand Prix takes place every year at the end of May. Hotels are packed and prices soar. We advise you to book your accommodation now.
14. Gourmet dining at Marché de la Condamine and gourmet restaurants
Why visit?
La Condamine, next to Port-Hercule, is a human-scale neighborhood that we really enjoyed. There’s a concentration of affordable shops and restaurants, as well as a charming market. Here you can sample Monegasque specialties, but above all admire the well-preserved architecture of the Place d’Armes. We also recommend that you take advantage of your stay in Monaco to treat yourself to a gourmet restaurant. There are plenty of good ones. Great chefs such as Alain Ducasse have an establishment in the Principality. For our part, we opted for dinner at Le Pavyllon, where we were treated to the bold cuisine of Yannick Alléno.
Practical advice
- The Marché de la Condamine takes place on the Place d’Armes and is open daily from 7am to 3pm.
- La Halle Gourmande is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm to 9:30pm.
- Expect to pay at least €200 per person for a full meal (starter – main course – dessert) in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Monaco.
See the list of our favorite restaurants.
15. Take to the skies at Jardin Exotique
Why visit?
The Jardin Exotique is considered one of the Principality’s must-sees. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to visit it, as it’s closed for renovation for the whole of 2023. It is due to reopen in 2024. It’s well worth a visit, as it’s located on the heights of Monaco, from which the panoramic views of the coast and the Rock are particularly beautiful. Opened to the public in 1933, this 15,000m2 garden is home to thousands of cacti. A botanical center and specialized nursery were added in the 1960s. At the base of the Jardin Exotique cliff is the Grotte de l’Observatoire, an underground prehistoric cavern 100m above sea level. The remains found there are on display at the nearby Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.
Practical advice
- Reopening scheduled for 2024.
- La Boutique du Jardin is open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5pm.
- Jardin Exotique prices and opening times will be available again in 2024 on the official website here.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on Provence, subscribe:
Things to do in Monaco: other ideas
Other museums
We’ve mentioned the Principality’s main museums, but there are many others:
- Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique (Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology ): this museum showcases anthropological artefacts and remains (bones, tools, etc.) discovered in the region, as well as an impressive mammoth skeleton.
- Musée des Timbres et Monnaies: dedicated to collections of stamps on the history of Monaco, medals, coins and banknotes of Prince Rainier III.
- Musée du Vieux Monaco (closed for renovation until 2024): this private institution aims to preserve Monegasque traditions, heritage and language.
- Princess Grace Irish Library: on the Rock, this library bears witness to Princess Grace’s attachment to her Irish origins. The entire collection is Irish and can be viewed on free tours.
See our article on Monaco’s best museums.
Other churches
In addition to the cathedral and the Chapelle de la Miséricorde we’ve already mentioned, Monaco is home to a number of other interesting religious buildings:
- Église Saint-Charles: this Renaissance-style 19th-century monument is located near France. Its bell tower with campanile rises to a height of 30m.
- Eglise Sainte-Dévote: 11th-century votive chapel dedicated to Sainte-Dévote, patron saint of the Principality and the princely family.
- Chapelle de la Visitation: in Baroque style, it houses a rich collection of 17th-century sacred art.
In the family
Family in Monaco? We recommend these activities, some of which are mentioned earlier in this article:
- Jardin Animalier: with its play area, store and opportunity to feed farm animals, this little garden will delight your children.
- Musée Océanographique: the museum’s aquarium is particularly suitable for children. There’s a special trail for them to discover the marine world in a fun way. Book your visit now.
- Little Tourist Train: the ideal way to get around and discover Monaco without tiring the little ones! Departures and arrivals are in front of the Oceanographic Museum.
- Multi-stop bus: a bus tour can also be a great way to discover Monaco with your children, without tiring them out. The tour is free for children under 4! Book your tour now.
Things to do in Monaco when it rains
If it rains during your stay, we recommend visiting a museum and touring the religious buildings. If you’re a gambler, why not take a trip to the casino? You can also opt for a bus tour to discover the city sheltered from the rain.
Visiting Monaco in winter
The Principality is a great place to visit in winter. Its mild Mediterranean climate will make your stay a pleasant one. Apart from the Prince’s Palace, all other tourist attractions remain open. If you enjoy the magic of Christmas, you’ll be enchanted by Monaco’s illuminations. The legendary Place du Casino, for example, is adorned with magical installations! You can visit the Christmas Village and spend an unforgettable festive season in the Principality’s gourmet restaurants and sumptuous hotels.
Find out more in our article dedicated to Monaco in winter.
Things to do near Monaco
Why not take advantage of your stay in Monaco to visit the surrounding area? The Principality lies between Nice and Menton. You can take the TER train to reach these 2 major cities in 30 minutes, as well as Cannes (1h15) and Antibes (1h). However, we recommend that you opt for a car, which will allow you to explore the region to the full.
Here are the main journey times to give you an idea of the distances involved:
- Driving time to Menton: 25min.
- Driving time to Nice: 30min.
- Driving time to Antibes: 50min.
- Driving time to Cannes: 55min.
These times do not take into account frequent traffic jams. A good way to avoid them is to take the ferry, which will take you to Nice in just under 1 hour, where you’ll enjoy superb panoramic views!
You can also opt for excursions:
- from Monaco, visit Monaco, Èze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Cannes and Antibes: see program and availability.
- from Nice, visit Èze, the Fragonard museum, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence: see program and availability.
- from Nice, visit Monaco, Menton and the Italian Riviera: see program and availability.
- from Cannes, visit Monaco, Antibes and Èze: see program and availability.
Practical tips and map: Monaco, Principality of Monaco
Where is Monaco?
Monaco is an independent principality in southeastern France, on the Côte d’Azur.
Here’s a map to help you find Monaco’s top tourist attractions:
How to get there
To get to Monaco, you can choose the train option. TGV high-speed trains make the journey from here:
- Paris (6:30 a.m.), with a TER connection in Nice.
- Lyon (5h30), with a TER connection at Nice.
- Marseille (3h30), with a TER connection at Nice.
We advise you to take several trains in advance for your connections, especially for your return journey.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
If you’re traveling by car from another part of France, you can reach Monaco via the A6, A8, Autoroute du Soleil, or the national and departmental roads.
If you’re coming to Monaco from Italy, you can take the A10 freeway or the A8 freeway from Ventimiglia.
Finally, if you’re traveling by car from other European countries, you’ll need to plan your itinerary around your point of departure, using European freeways like the A8 or the Italian A10 (or Autoroute des Fleurs).
You can also fly to Nice, which is served by major European cities. You can then opt to rent a car on arrival in Nice at the train station or airport, and drive to Monaco.
Please note that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak and vacation periods. We recommend that you check traffic conditions and plan your route in advance. In addition, make sure you have a motorway sticker in the countries concerned, if necessary, and that you respect the Highway Code of the countries you will be crossing.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Parking in Monaco
We advise you to bear in mind that free outdoor parking in Monaco is virtually impossible. Most of the parking spaces are in paid underground parking lots (note, however, that parking is free if you stay less than 1 hour). You can opt for the ZAC Saint-Antoine parking lot in Cap d’Ail, which will cost you €4 for 2 hours, instead of 7 hours in a parking lot inside the Principality.
Getting around Monaco
As the Principality is built into the side of a cliff, you’ll need to be in good physical condition, and have good walking shoes, to visit it on foot. Although there are public elevators to get from one road to another, they’re generally pretty slow, which is why we mostly took the stairs. To help you find your way around this densely populated city, we recommend downloading the city map here, which shows the location of escalators, public elevators and staircases.
A brochure for people with reduced mobility is also available here.
You can also opt for public transport. Several bus lines serve Monaco’s different districts, and you can even check traffic in real time on the official website here! Choose to pay by contactless credit card or via the Monapass application. If you wish to pay in cash, the rate will be more expensive and you’ll need to top up!
Cab fares are fixed. Whatever your journey, it will cost you €18! For more information, visit the official Monaco cab website here.
Where to eat in Monaco
Monaco has a great choice of restaurants, and there really is something for every taste and style! We’ve tried out a few for you, and they’ll be featured in our next article on the best restaurants to eat in Monaco:
- Restaurant Le Pavyllon – chef Yannick Alléno’s 1-star restaurant offering bold Mediterranean cuisine at the Hôtel Hermitage.
- Restaurant Chez Pierre – refined bistro cuisine that revisits the classics of French gastronomy.
- Restaurant Beef Bar: a chic restaurant specializing in the preparation of exceptional meats.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
