Have you decided to visit Monaco in 1 day? Great idea, you won’t have time to get bored!
Between its iconic Casino and its magnificent Palais Princier, we were charmed by the Principality. The embodiment of international luxury, the Principality boasts palaces, haute couture, sports cars, private beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants. Densely built into the cliffs, Monaco leaves no one indifferent!
In this article, we suggest detailed itineraries to optimize your stay and make sure you don’t miss a thing! Check out our practical tips and our many photos to make up your own mind about this destination.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical tips for visiting Monaco in 1 day
Getting around on foot or by public transport
Most tourist attractions are concentrated in Monte-Carlo and Le Rocher. Within these neighborhoods, it’s easy to get around on foot. Journey times are relatively short, as the Principality is densely built-up but not very large. On the other hand, Monaco’s cliff-side location means that it can be difficult to reach some of the higher districts. Good physical condition and good walking shoes are a must!
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.
The weather in Monaco
Monaco enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate. However, temperatures can sometimes rise considerably in summer, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable (especially if you’re sensitive to heat). We advise you to visit the Principality and its surroundings in spring, autumn or winter.
The water temperature never falls below 12° and averages around 13°, with a maximum of 15° in December.
Attendance at Monaco
Monaco is very busy, especially during major events (Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monaco Yacht Show…) and the summer season. Tourist attractions are quickly snapped up. If you have the opportunity, we advise you to go outside these periods. Monaco is also a popular destination during the festive season. Some areas (Monte Carlo and the Rocher) are very busy. Access to the Rock by car is restricted to residents of the Principality and the Alpes-Maritimes department. To park, you’ll have to go to a paying underground parking lot. There are very few hotels. We advise you to book your accommodation now.
Map of Monaco’s main tourist attractions
See our map of Monaco’s main tourist attractions:
Where to stay in Monaco
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
Option 1 – Monaco’s must-sees in 1 day
Ready for a 1-day tour of Monaco? Here’s an itinerary of the Principality’s must-do activities. In fact, we’ve written a full article on the subject!
10am-11am: Marvel at the Casino de Monte-Carlo
We suggest you start this itinerary in the iconic Monte Carlo district. It is best known for its mythical landmark: the casino. Immortalized in numerous films (James Bond saga…), this entertainment venue boasts remarkable architecture. Designed in the Belle Époque style in 1879 by Charles Garnier, who also built theOpéra Garnier in Paris.
At this time and until 1pm, you will not be able to play. Mornings are reserved for sightseeing. You can also admire the gaming tables and discover a dazzling interior, notably the Europe Room with its 8 monumental chandeliers.
11 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.: Attending the changing of the guard
We recommend that you then head to the Rock, in front of the Palais Princier, to watch the changing of the guard. This famous military ceremony, which attracts curious visitors from all over the world, is the daily rhythm of palace life. 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. Take a look at our article on the Palais Princier to find out more!
12.15pm-2pm: Lunch in the Rocher district
Once the changing of the guard is over, explore the district via Rue Basse. This is one of the Rock’s two main thoroughfares, starting at Place du Palais. You’ll find plenty of restaurants here, but here are our recommendations:
- Restaurant Le Petit Bar: we enjoyed a guinea fowl leg with a green bean salad, well seasoned with a cream of herbs and old-fashioned mustard. If you’re looking for a simple but hearty and tasty meal in a relaxed atmosphere, Le Petit Bar is the place for you!
- Restaurant La Montgolfière: this restaurant, run by an enthusiastic couple, serves refined cuisine and has been awarded a Michelin star.
Find out more about our selection of good places to eat in our article on the best restaurants in Monaco!
2pm-3.30pm: Visit the Prince’s Palace
After watching the changing of the guard, we’re sure you’ll be eager to discover the interior of the Princely Palace, where the princely family resides and rules. 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! These discoveries won us over, which is why we’ve listed the palace among Monaco’s best museums!
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). To discover the secrets of this palace, which we really enjoyed, read our dedicated article!
3:30 pm – 4 pm: Discover the cathedral
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the princely family, take a tour of the cathedral. Built in the Roman-Byzantine style, it is 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.
The cathedral is most famous for housing the tombs of deceased princes. Other highlights included a magnificent 16th-century high altar, 2 organs and superb altarpieces. Our favorite is St. Nicholas, built in 1500, which impressed us with its flamboyant colors and delicate gilding. For more information on this emblematic monument, see our dedicated article!
4-6pm: Visit the Oceanographic Museum
It’s less than a ten-minute walk to the Oceanographic Museum. 85m high and built into the side of the Rocher, we found it impressive! 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. A must-see site in Monaco, it welcomes 650,000 visitors every year! For a worry-free visit, book your ticket now.
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. To discover the riches of this institution, visit 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.
Option 2 – Monaco: a symbol of international luxury
To make the most of your experience in Monaco, we recommend that you opt for activities that are out of the ordinary, if you have the chance. The Principality is the symbol of luxury the world over! With its palaces, mythical casino and private beaches, it’s the ideal place to enjoy top-of-the-range services while creating beautiful memories!
10am-12.30pm: Shopping in Monte Carlo
A temple of glamour and luxury, Monaco is home to a succession of major fashion houses, including Dior, Gucci, Balenciaga, Valentino, Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton: they’re all here! If you have the financial means and are a lover of luxury products, this is the perfect opportunity to visit a boutique and snap up a one-of-a-kind piece!
Stores are concentrated on Promenade Princesse Charlène, Avenue Princesse Alice and Avenue des Beaux-Arts. To help you find your way around, you’ll find a sign map here. Some are also located in Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo. This shopping center offers a more diversified range of products, albeit generally upmarket. To complete your outfit, all the major jewelry and watchmaking houses are in Monaco!
12:30-14:30: lunch in a Michelin-starred restaurant
In Monaco, you’ll find a large number of exceptional gourmet restaurants. Discover our complete selection here, or our 3 recommendations below:
- Le Pavyllon (1 star): we were delighted with our dinner at this restaurant nestled in the Hôtel Hermitage. We were able to discover all the modern techniques used by chef Yannick Alléno (cold extraction, emulsion, fermentation…). We can’t recommend this resolutely creative cuisine enough!
- Le Louis XV (3 stars ): thanks to Alain Ducasse, Le Louis XV was awarded its third Michelin star in 1989. Since then, his disciples have taken over the reins. Chef Emmanuel Pilon, who trained at the Plaza Athéné in Paris, and pastry chef Sandro Micheli are currently bringing the menu to life. Through a revisiting of Mediterranean cuisine, they respect Alain Ducasse’s “naturality” approach, which advocates healthier eating. Head to the Hôtel de Paris to take advantage! (the restaurant is open for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays only)
- Le Grill (1 star): the second Michelin-starred restaurant on the 8th floor of the Hôtel de Paris, Le Grill offers exceptional panoramic views, from the Principality to Italy. Chef Dominique Lory, who trained at the Louis XV, offers Mediterranean specialties, including grilled dishes. Last but not least, it’s open every day for lunch!
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Enjoying the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo
Monte-Carlo’s thermal baths are exceptional. The 6,600m2 building houses spaces and services dedicated to well-being, fitness and preventive health. There’s a beauty salon, hairdressing salon, massage parlour, hammam, sauna and whirlpool. A fitness room, bar and healthy restaurant are also available. We took a look at the pool during our stay at the Hôtel Hermitage. The thermal baths are part of the Hôtel de Paris and the Hôtel Hermitage. We appreciated the very long opening hours (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the pools) and the superb views over the Mediterranean, enhanced by the large bay windows.
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Successful poker at the casino
Monaco is famous for its casino, immortalized in the James Bond saga, where stars from all over the world rub shoulders! In addition to restaurants, it offers a variety of entertainment, such as slot machines, blackjack, English roulette and a full range of table games. Put on your best outfit and let yourself be tempted by a little game!
A LITTLE MORE patience
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Option 3 – In the footsteps of the Formula 1 Grand Prix
Monaco is an ideal destination for car enthusiasts, as it hosts the oldest Formula 1 race: the Grand Prix. Motorsport fans from all over the world flock to the Principality in May for this event!
10am-12pm: Take a guided tour of the circuit
If you’re not lucky enough to make it to Monaco for the Grand Prix, here’s an itinerary just for you! You’ll be able to discover the 3km of this urban circuit, made up of tight bends, which was designed in 1929. It passes through the Condamine district, around Port-Hercule, and Monte-Carlo. The Fairmont, a real tourist attraction, is located in the latter. To discover the secrets of this legendary race, we recommend a guided tour.
12pm-2pm: Lunch at Chez Pierre
Chez Pierre restaurant is just a ten-minute walk from the Fairmont bend. Enjoy a delicious lunch! Although home-style, the cuisine is refined. From main course to dessert, we feasted on a fillet of bass with assorted vegetables, and dark chocolate quenelles accompanied by praline bites.
The décor, in red (banquettes, ceiling, chairs) and black and white (checkerboard floor, cushions…), immerses visitors in the atmosphere of an old-fashioned Parisian bistro. You can also see photos of the French capital’s most emblematic landmarks. Because of these assets, we’ve listed it among the best restaurants to eat at in Monaco!
2pm-3.30pm: Admire the cars in the Prince Rainier III Collection
The Prince Rainier III Collection Museum in Port-Hercule is a must for motor sport enthusiasts. The sovereign began this collection in 1950, which 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.
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Discover the Automobile Club de Monaco
To round off the day, we invite you to discover one last place for motorsport enthusiasts: the Automobile Club de Monaco. You’ll have no trouble finding it: it’s located on Port-Hercule, a stone’s throw from the Prince Rainier III Automobile Collection Museum. Inside, you’ll find a boutique offering a wide range of products featuring Monaco’s great races! To find out more, visit the official website here.
Option 4 – 1 day in Monaco: For sports enthusiasts
Are you a very active person who needs to burn off some energy when you’re on vacation? We’ve designed this itinerary especially for you! The day begins on the heights of Monaco. You’ll need a lot of energy if you want to get there on foot!
10am-12pm: Exploring the Exotic Garden
This garden is next to the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. And with good reason! It includes a cave where prehistoric bones were found, now on display in the museum. It also includes a botanical center created in the 1960s, which, with its 10,500 plants, boasts the world’s largest collections of cacti and succulents. Built in the early 20th century, the garden offers superb panoramic views of the Riviera (closed for renovation, reopening planned for 2025). In fact, it’s one of the most beautiful gardens in Monaco!
12pm-2pm: Lunch on the Port of Fontvieille
We suggest you move on to the Fontvieille district below. Residential and on a human scale, we really liked it! It is organized around a pleasant harbor with many restaurants. Here are our recommendations, which you can find in our complete selection:
- Restaurant Le Beef Bar: as its name suggests, this restaurant caters almost exclusively to meat lovers. The atmosphere is chic and subdued, and the meat is on display! We were able to taste particularly tasty, fine and tender slices of Kobe beef.
- Restaurant Les Perles de Monte-Carlo: this restaurant is the reference address for seafood tasting in the Principality. Located at the end of the Fontvieille harbor jetty, it offers a sea-to-plate concept. Indeed, they set up their own aquaculture farm in 2011, at a time when the oyster farming tradition was virtually non-existent in Monaco. Their menu features platters of 12 oysters, a variety of fish and crustaceans.
2pm-4pm: Try out a water sports activity
We believe that vacations are an opportunity to experience new things, especially sports. Here are a few ideas to make your stay even more unforgettable:
- Snorkeling and sc uba diving: departing from Plage du Larvotto, you can admire the coastal landscape from Menton to Villefranche-sur-Mer. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a 45-minute snorkel followed by a 25-minute baptism! – see program and availability.
- Parascending: would you like to see the Principality from a different perspective? Opt for this boat-drawn flight! – see program and availability.
- Jet-ski excursion: take to the sea for 1h to 1h30 in the direction of (your choice) Menton, Cap-d’Ail, Italy, or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. – see program and availability.
16h-18h: Relaxing on Larvotto Beach
After having challenged yourselves through a nautical activity, we now invite you to relax on Plage du Larvotto. Stretching over 400m, it’s Monaco’s largest public beach. That’s why we’ve listed it first in our selection of the most beautiful beaches in and around Monaco!
At the far end of the coast, you’ll find resorts and clubs (Coya Bar…). The beach is a mixture of gravel and sand. It has a first-aid post, and a jellyfish net in season. It is bordered by a tiled promenade where you’ll find numerous restaurants and a few shops (beauty salon, gym…). Why not take a well-deserved gourmet break?
Option 5 – Family getaway
Planning a 1-day visit to Monaco with your children? Below are our suggestions for activities to please young and old alike!
10am-11am: Visit the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
For this visit to the heights of the Principality, we advise you to take a bus (bus lines 2 and 3, “Villa Paloma” stop), as the walking route is steep. The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology was founded by Prince Albert I in 1902. The goal? Preserve the prehistoric remains found in and around the Principality. They are enhanced by a wide range of attractions for children!
Although small, the museum traces the major developments in the history of mankind. We learned that over a million years ago, the Côte d’Azur was already a favored habitat for our prehistoric ancestors! We invite you to read our article on the museum to find out more.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Observing animals in the Animal Garden
We then suggest you visit the Rainier III Animal Garden below. As its name suggests, this park was founded by Prince Rainier III in 1954. One of the world’s last royal menageries, it is home to some 250 animals of some 60 different species. For example, we discovered this otocyon, known as the non- marsupial mammal with the most teeth (between 46 and 50!).
The construction of the garden on the southern flank of the rock explains the narrowness of the enclosures. So you won’t see any large animals. We would also like to point out that no garden animals have been purchased. They come from donations, abandonment or customs seizures. Finally, the garden offers beautiful views of the Fontvieille district and the Prince’s Palace, and includes a playground that will delight your children!
12:30-14:00: Lunch at the Pasta House
La Maison des Pâtes is a delicatessen founded in 1977. It has been the official supplier of fresh pasta to the princely family since 1999. We recommend a visit to the Marché de la Condamine to sample their products, available in half portions: a child-friendly solution! For more good addresses, see our article on Monaco’s best restaurants.
2pm-4pm: Visit the Oceanographic Museum
We’ve already presented the Oceanographic Museum as a must-see in Monaco. Even more so if you’re with your family! There are special features and labels for children throughout the tour, particularly in the aquarium. You can also find coloring pages and quizzes on the official website here. The museum is very committed to young visitors, offering them a wide range of activities (escape game, immerseave 360° virtual reality experience…).
For example, we think that the “animals of the seaside” animation, which consists in discovering these species by dipping one’s hands in a tactile basin, will particularly appeal to young children. To find out more about this rich program, visit the museum’s official website here. What’s more, if you visit the museum during the school vacations, you may be able to watch the fish being fed! Book your ticket now.
16h-17h: Take a ride on the little tourist train
It’s the ideal way to get around and discover Monaco without tiring out the little ones! Departures and arrivals are in front of the Oceanographic Museum. The tour lasts 40min. Visit the official website here to find out more. A bus tour can also be a great way to discover Monaco with your children. The tour is free for children under 4! Book your tour now.
5-6pm: Enjoy an ice cream before heading home
To round off this family day, we suggest a gourmet break. We recommend these 2 ice cream parlors, just a 15-minute walk from the Oceanographic Museum:
- CREA – Gelateria e cioccolateria: this store offers excellent Italian-style ice creams, as well as cookies, macaroons and chocolate. The hazelnut and chocolate flavours are particularly worth the detour!
- Santo Gelato: a must-try address for fine artisanal ice creams. Nearly 10 fragrances are available. A small terrace, sheltered under the arches of the Place d’Armes, allows you to enjoy them sheltered from the sun!
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Discover Monaco differently: excursions
In the footsteps of the princely family
You may have noticed as you read this article, but the majority of Monaco’s tourist attractions are linked to the princely family. First and foremost is the Prince’s Palace, where all the sovereigns of Monaco have lived and reigned. The cathedral also holds important symbolic significance, as it houses the tombs of members of the princely family.
During our stay, we were struck by the number of sites created on the initiative of Prince Rainier III. There are both gardens (Princess Grace Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, Animal Garden) and museums (Prince Rainier III Automobile Collection Museum). But other members of the princely family have also left their mark on the Principality, such as Prince Albert I(Oceanographic Museum, Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology), and before him Prince Charles III(Gardens of Little Africa).
To find out more, you can also take an excursion in the footsteps of the Grimaldi family. Originally from Genoa, this family, from which the current ruler of Monaco descends, established itself throughout the Côte d’Azur as early as the 13th century. Many of the castles we visited bear witness to this. Examples include the Château-musée de Cagnes-sur-Mer and the Château-musée d’Antibes, now home to the Musée Picasso.
Discover the riches of Provence
Would you like to explore more of the region during your 3-day stay in Provence? An excursion from Monaco offers a unique opportunity to explore the emblematic destinations of the Côte d’Azur. Here are our suggestions:
- Visit Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Paul-de-Vence: with this tour, you’ll stroll along the Croisette, visit Old Antibes, and the charming village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, which has inspired many artists – see program and availability.
- Visit the medieval village of Èze: if you have a car, we recommend a visit to this village perched high up on the Côte d’Azur. Just 20 minutes from Monaco, this 1h30 guided tour will take you away from it all! – see program and availability.
Monaco is ideally located between Nice and Menton. Don’t hesitate to check out our articles on Nice’s tourist attractions here, and Menton’s here, to enhance your stay!
Enjoy the Italian Riviera
Monaco is only 30 minutes from Italy! Why not take the opportunity to discover the Italian Riviera? Here are a few ideas to enhance your stay:
- Getaway to San Remo or Ventimiglia and a stopover in the village of Dolceacqua: experience the excitement of Italy’s open-air markets in the emblematic towns of the Italian Riviera! – see program and availability.
- Visit Menton, the Italian village of Dolceacqua and an Italian market: you’ll marvel at the colorful facades of Menton, and the charm of the medieval village of Dolceacqua, whose bridge was immortalized by Claude Monet! – see program and availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is Monaco part of France?
No, Monaco is a sovereign and independent Principality, even if it is landlocked on French territory.
What are Monaco’s major annual events?
Monaco is famous for its large-scale events. The first of these is the legendary Monaco Grand Prix in May. Other events, such as the Monaco Yacht Show in September, or the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival in July and August, punctuate the Principality’s calendar. Major events also take place in winter, such as the International Circus Festival and the Monte Carlo Rally. On these occasions, accommodation is packed and prices soar! We invite you to consult the Tourist Office’s events program here, and to book your hotel as soon as possible.
What beaches are popular in Monaco?
Monaco’s most popular beach is its largest public beach, Plage du Larvotto. It also includes an artificial concrete beach, Solarium Beach. The other beaches are privately owned by hotels. To find your way around, consult our article dedicated to the most beautiful beaches in and around Monaco.
What activities are linked to AS Monaco?
TheAssociation sportive de Monaco Football Club is a world-famous club founded in 1924. Although based and owned by Monaco, it is affiliated to the French Football Federation and takes part in French competitions. Its players have been with the French national team since 1950. Thierry Henry, Lilian Thuram and Kylian Mbappé are just a few of the players to have turned professional with AS Monaco FC. Don’t hesitate to visit the official boutique in the Fontevieille district. AS Monaco is also the name of the Principality’s basketball club, which often leads the French championships.
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
