should i visit monaco

Is Monaco Worth Visiting?

Is Monaco worth visiting? Yes, it is worth visiting Monaco , but not just to play at the famous casino of Monte Carlo . When you arrive in Monaco (nicknamed The Rock or Le Rocher in French), you will be amazed by the architecture .  My favourite building is the Oceanographic Museum.  In addition, Monaco has a very good climate with an average of 300 sunny days each year .  However, there are many other reasons to visit Monaco.  Read on for my 21 reasons to visit Monaco.

Where is Monaco?

Monaco is a small sovereign state located on the French Rivera .  It is situated between France and Italy along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  Monte-Carlo is the name of the administrative area and a larger district of Monaco.  The other districts of Monaco are Fontvieille, Monaco-Ville and La Condamine.

What to Do in Monaco?

1. the prince’s palace of monaco (le palais princier).

In Monaco, you have the unusual opportunity of visiting a working palace . This doesn’t happen every day, so make sure you visit The Prince’s Palace when you are in Monaco. The palace is full of history and you can learn about the House of Grimaldi (Monaco’s Royal Family) who still live in the palace today.  In fact, the current sovereign Prince, Prince Albert II, was crowned in the throne room of the palace.

You can visit The Prince’s Palace of Monaco from 2 April until 15 October .  The best time to visit the palace is 11:55 to see the changing of the Guard .

2. Discover the Exotic Garden of Monaco (Le Jardin Exotique)

The Exotic Garden of Monaco is one of the most interesting gardens I have seen so far. The garden is set high on the hill above Monaco and is fun to explore with its small bridges leading to different terraces. The garden is known for its succulent plants (plants with leaves which store water like cacti).

One of the advantages of this garden is that you can visit in winter or in summer and have a great experience. Kids will love this garden too because they may feel like they are in the Far West.  Another good reason to visit this garden is for the view of Monaco.  From here, you will find one of the best views of Monaco .

3. Oceanographic Museum (Le Musée Oceanographique)

As I mentioned above, the massive building which houses the Oceanographic Museum is attached to the rock and faces the sea . The Oceanographic Museum is one of the best oceanic museums in the world .

The museum was founded by Prince Albert I who was a navigator himself.  At the age of 22, he took a book and sailed the oceans conducting a lot of research. When he came back, he opened this museum in Monaco and then another in Paris. Now Prince Albert II wants to carry on this work and has sent another boat to do more research .

One of the highlights of the museum is the sharks .  The museum is a great place to observe sea creatures up close as it has more than 6,000 specimens in 90 aquariums .  However, the museum is more than an exhibition.  You will learn a lot during your visit as the museum is dedicated to research.

4. Observe the Architectural Buildings (L’Architecture des Bâtiments)

When you arrive in Monaco, the architecture of the buildings may be one of the first things you notice.  In my opinion, the most impressive building is the Oceanographic Museum which is built on the edge of the cliff overlooking Monaco. In Monaco, you will discover plenty of different styles of buildings (including Art Deco and Art Nouveau) with streets full of colour and spectacular façades. Most of these buildings were built between the 19 th and 20 th centuries.

5. The Cars Collection of the Prince of Monaco (La Collection de Voitures Anciennes du Prince)

Another favourite for me is The Cars Collection of the Prince of Monaco .  Monaco has a strong connection with cars.  The Formula 1 Grand Prix is held in the streets of Monaco and there are plenty of luxury cars everywhere you look. 

However, if you want to learn about the history of cars, you need to visit to The Cars Collection of the Prince of Monaco.  At the end of the 1950s, Prince Rainier III started the collection and now there are more than 100 prestigious cars including Formula 1 cars and the car used for the wedding of Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II.  Interestingly, this car is electric as Monaco is very concerned about ecology.

6. Monte-Carlo Casino (Casino de Monte-Carlo)

You don’t need to gamble to have a look around the Monte-Carlo Casino . The main façade of the casino is just splendid with a square and fountain in front.  People just stand and watch the luxury cars arriving and leaving.

If you want to visit inside the casino, you have two solutions.  The first is to book a visit between 10:00 and 13:00 .  During these times, you can enter the casino and take pictures . The second solution is to go after 14:00 and play !  The minimum you can change is 20 Euros, but with this option you get to visit and you may be lucky win some money!

7. Saint Nicholas Cathedral (La Cathédrale de St Nicolas)

The other name of the Saint Nicholas Cathedral is the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate .  The cathedral was built in 1875 and dedicated to Saint Nicolas. The beautiful interior with natural light creates a very nice atmosphere. Don’t miss the tomb of Grace Kelly (Princess Grace of Monaco).  To find it, walk past the altar.  You will find her tomb next to that of Prince Rainier III .

8. Monaco Harbour (Le Port de Monaco)

If you want to see huge yachts, then Monaco Harbour is the perfect place for you!  There are many amazing boats moored in Monaco Harbour and it is always entertaining to look at the name of the boats and see where they came from. We advise you visit the harbour at the end of the day, so that you can enjoy a restaurant in this area afterwards. There are plenty of restaurants around the harbour which cater for all budgets .

9. Watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco

The Formula 1 Grand Prix race in Monaco is perhaps the most impressive race in the world.  This is because the race takes place on the streets of Monaco which were certainly not designed as Formula 1 racetracks.  Whether you are fan or not, you will be impressed by the skill of the drivers to keep their cars on the road as they navigate the small winding streets of Monaco.  The driver needs to use all his skills be overtake other Formula 1 cars.

10. Watch a Show at the Monte-Carlo Opera House (Opéra de Monte-Carlo)

The Monte-Carlo Opera House is located next to the Monte-Carlo Casino . The opera was built by the same architect who built the famous Opera House in Paris.  If you are also interested in visiting the Paris Opera House, check out our post about What to Do in Paris for 2 Days.

The façade of the Opera House is amazing to look at, but why not enjoy a show and discover the inside. If you want to buy a ticket for a performance , you head to the Box Office in the Monte-Carlo Casino .

11. Shopping in Monte-Carlo

Monaco is the international capital of luxury .  All the big luxury retail names are present in Monaco. In Monaco, there are a few magnificent shopping centres like the Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo with its impressive chandeliers .

Le Marché de la Condamine is the perfect place to discover food specialties.  This market was opened in 1880 and renovated in 1992.

12. Monaco Food Specialties

La Fougasse Monegasque – In Provence, la fougasse is part of the traditional 13 Christmas desserts. It is a variation of the French bread, the fougasse which is traditionally a small, sweet bread flavoured with oranges and decorated with nuts, raisins and anise.

The Fougasse Monegasque is the same as other fougasses but is decorated with red and white sugar glazed anise to symbolise the flag of Monaco.

Barbajuan – This is a national dish in Monaco.  It is an appetizer comprised of a fritter stuffed with ricotta cheese and swiss chard .  However, the fillings will vary depending on where you buy it.  Barbajuan is very good as it has a cheesy taste with some crunch and plenty of flavours depending on the ingredients used .  You must try Barbajuan when you are in Monaco!

13. Monaco with Kids

When you travel with kids, you always have this question at the back of your mind: Will the kids enjoy this?   To help you make your kids happy, you will find below some activities which kids will enjoy.

Oceanographic Museum – The best thing to do with kids in Monaco is the Oceanographic Museum. All kids will enjoy this visit as they love to discover the different marine habitats and sea creatures and they will be impressed by the sharks !  In addition to having fun, they will learn plenty of different things.

Monaco Harbour – Wandering around Monaco is another good way to entertain the kids and it’s free!  You can teach your kids some Geography as the names of different countries are written under the name of each boat. You and your kids will be impressed by the splendour of the marvellous yachts moored in the harbour.

If you your kids are interested in cars, a visit to The Cars Collection of the Prince of Monaco will be a perfect choice for you.

14. Wander Around the Japanese Garden

If you want to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun, then the Japanese Garden is a good option. You will discover Japanese bridges, ponds, waterfalls, lanterns and a Zen garden . It is a little surreal to leave the French Riviera and enter Japan in less than 5 minutes!

15. Enjoy the Fort Antoine Outdoor Theatre

The Fort Antoine Outdoor Theatre is housed in an old fortress which was originally built in the 18 th century but was then destroyed in 1944.  Later, Prince Rainier III had the fortress rebuilt as a theatre which now stages different plays during the summer months .  It is a great experience to sit inside this iconic theatre under the stars and watch a performance.

16. Wander Around the Moneghetti Area of Monaco

The Moneghetti area of Monaco is the perfect place to get a feel for Monaco’s atmosphere.  Here, you will see villas and parks with century-old trees.  Within this area of Monaco, you will find the Exotic Gardenof Monaco (see number 2).

The best way to discover the area of Moneghetti is to walk .  You can stop at the Princess Antoinette park and walk between hundred-year-old olive trees or you can go the Prehistoric Museum to learn about early humankind.

17. Visit the Old Town of Monaco

After your visit to The Prince’s Palace, you can explore the picturesque area on the hill. This area was the home of Grace Kelly. Outside the Palace , there is an enormous square from which you can gain a stunning view of Monaco and its harbour .

From the square, it is worth exploring the streets of the Old Town.  During the summer, there are plenty of tourists here.  However, if you find the crowds too much, take a right or left turn away from busy places and wander at your leisure.

18. Treat Yourself in a Luxury Spa

Monte-Carlo is the town of luxury and it is the best place to treat yourself if you can. For that, why not to do a spa after your busy day?  In Monaco, you have plenty of choices, and you will find world class spas here.

Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Monte-Carlo received the award of best spa hotel by Villegiature. You will receive a unique treatment from highly qualified staff, like the ‘ Willow Stream Elements’ which isa signature treatment based on nature’s primal elements.

Espa at the Hotel Metropole is more than a spa.  They have a treatment called ‘ The Journey’ during which you will forget everything and lose yourself in another world.

19. Explore Fontvieille Park

Fontvieille Park is well known by locals and is a good place to find peace and quiet . You will find olive, pine and cypress trees with many exotic species.  However, you can also enjoy art in this park.  Alongside the paths, art is displayed, and your children will have a lot fun in the playground . This park is the perfect place to have a rest with a picnic for all the family.

20. Take a Helicopter Flight

Whether you are visiting The Prince’s Palace or the Exotic Gardens in Monaco, you will have a great view.  However, you are in Monaco so why not take your experience to another level and book a helicopter flight ? This is the best option, if you want to have a bird’s eye view of the area and make a holiday memorable forever .

21. Drive a Ferrari

As you know Monaco is a place for the wealthy and there are plenty of nice cars on the streets and Monaco even has its own Formula 1 racetrack inside the streets of the town.  So, why not enjoy yourself and drive a Ferrari in Monaco, even if it is for just a short time? In my experience, driving a Ferrari is a sensation like no other . 

In my opinion, yes, Monaco is definitely worth visiting.  There are plenty of interesting things to see and do , but the Oceanographic Museum is definitely the best of the best!  The wealth, buzz and beauty of Monaco is captivating from the yachts and prestige cars to the buildings .  All the family will have fun here, especially with a racetrack running through the streets!  Don’t forget that Monaco also has 300 days of sunshine each year , so it is the perfect place to enjoy outside activities all year long .

Olivier De Winne

Olivier De Winne studied and worked in France until 2005 when he moved to England. In the past, he has set up and managed several companies in different industries. Olivier is excited about his new career as a digital nomad. He is currently co-founder of two websites and two YouTube channels. His aim is to be free of the rat race.

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• 12 Reasons Why You Should...

12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Monaco at Least Once

Monaco is a destination like no other. It is the second smallest country in the world and yet within its mere 200 hectares, extravagant sights that allure and inspire can be found. Here are just 12 reasons why Monaco should be on your must-visit list.

1. monte-carlo casino.

Casino, Opera House

Monaco Grand Prix

Hardly needing an explanation for racing fanatics, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the main Formula 1 races in the calendar each year. This racing tradition in the principality started in 1950 and usually takes place sometime in May.

Rock of Monaco

Glitz and glamour

For people watching and general glitz and glamor at every turn, head to Monaco. The principality boasts some truly stunning eateries—one of Culture Trip’s favorites is the Fairmont Monte Carlo overlooking the Mediterranean—as well as experiences for the thrifty traveler. If you’re on a budget, one of the best experiences is to spend an afternoon at the Cafe de Paris people watching, or head down to Hercule Harbour and eye up the super yachts.

Crazy cycling routes

Nestled on the Mediterranean, it’s no surprise that Monaco has some spectacular places to cycle on its doorstep. Col de la Madone, for example, is used as a benchmark for many cyclists training for the Tour de France, whilst Cold de Braus (pictured below) has a particularly impressive ascent section.

http://instagram.com/p/BRxZTnFgdYn/

Luxury hotels

Monaco is filled to the brim with luxurious places to stay . This is why if you’re looking for an indulgent treat destination for a particular celebration, there really is nowhere better than Monaco. Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo , with its Gustave Eiffel Dome and opulence wherever you look, is our favorite.

Beautiful beaches

The Larvotto neighborhood of Monaco borders Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and contains Monaco’s man-made beach, Larvotto Plage . There are two sections of this beach—public and private, the public section being free—and it makes for the perfect spot for a dip in the Mediterranean. Larvotto beach is actually within the principality, however, Marquet beach , just past Monaco’s most westerly edge, is a gorgeous pick, too.

2. Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly became one of Monaco’s leading ladies in history after marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. The principality is dotted with Grace Kelly sights to visit, from the Princess Grace Rose Garden —created by Prince Rainier in memory of Princess Kelly and her love of roses—to the Saint Nicolas Cathedral where she is buried.

3. Oceanographic Museum

Aquarium, Building, Museum

This museum of marine sciences sits right on the edge of the Monaco cliffs, with spectacular views out onto the Mediterranean Sea. It was designed and built 100 years ago as a palace dedicated entirely to science and remains that to this day. There is an aquarium situated in the basement that holds more than 6000 specimens, so if you’re a fan of the ocean and all it holds, this museum is hard to beat.

Location and Phone Number: Oceanographic Museum, Avenue Saint-Martin, Monaco, France , +37 793 153 600

Oceanographic Museum |© Cyril Bèle / Flickr

Fantastic food

We’ve already done the hard work for you when it comes to eating out in Monaco. There is the most glorious Italian and French fusion when it comes to the principality’s cuisine. Start the day with one of our picks for breakfast and brunch and then have an indulgent evening meal at one of our top 10 best restaurants .

Superior shopping

Shopping doesn’t get much more intense or much better than in Monaco. After all, if it’s good enough for royals and the jet-setting elite then it’s good enough for us! Le Metropole Shopping Center has a beautiful interior as well as providing a pause from the sun; otherwise just head out into Monaco, where designer shops and boutiques are rife.

French Riviera

Finally, and simply, if you want a good ol’ dose of what the French Riviera has to offer, then Monaco will come up at the top. Balmy and warm from early spring onwards, the climate in the south of France allows for ambling and exploring at a glacial pace. The French Riviera is all about the coastline interwoven with gorgeous villages and towns. Monaco couldn’t be a better base from which to soak up this corner of France.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Explore the Riviera

12 reasons why monaco is worth visiting.

Located on the French Rivera, Monaco is a luxury destination that attracts visitors from all around the world due to its beauty and incredible wealth.

Considered to be the second smallest country in the world, it is also one of the best day trips to take from Nice and has some of the most amazing restaurants in the region .

Monaco is definitely worth visiting if you are interested in observing (and maybe experiencing) luxury and grandeur like no other.

Personally, since moving to Nice , I really enjoy going there for a change of pace and scenery. It is quite interesting to see the Monaco lifestyle up close.

Apart from admiring the glamour and extravagance of Monaco, however, there are also other fun things to do, like exploring the circuit of the famous Monaco Grand Prix, seeing the famous Monte Carlo Casino, and the change of guard at the Prince’s Castle.

In this guide, you will read about all the reasons why the beautiful city of Monaco is so worth visiting.

Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to follow my Instagram and join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera. You can also get a custom itinerary made by me here or check out my travel guides for Nice, Monaco, Cannes, Antibes and Saint-Tropez.

12 Reasons to visit Monaco

After you are done reading this post, you might also enjoy reading: Monaco Open Air Cinema: A Hidden Gem in Monte-Carlo .

1- To visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino

The Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco is a renowned gambling establishment known around the world.

Established in 1863, this luxury casino has been tantalizing visitors for centuries.

Commonly featured in literature, film, and music, this casino’s iconic status has endured since its creation.

It features grand salons, marble columns, elaborate crystal chandeliers, and a stunning dining hall that provides visitors with an unforgettable experience.

People from all over the globe come to the Monte Carlo Casino to try their luck at roulette, blackjack, and slot machines–as well as poker tournaments hosted regularly throughout the year.

📖 You might also enjoy: 12 Best tours to take on the French Riviera

Visiting Monaco soon? It’s time to book your tours!

• Monaco Formula 1 Walking Tour
• Grasse Gourdon Valbonne and Wine-Tasting Day Trip from Monaco 
• Ferrari California Sightdrive
• Best of French Riviera Full-Day Tour from Monaco 

2- Monaco has Europe’s longest-ruling royal family

The ruling family of Monaco, the House of Grimaldi, is one of Europe’s longest-ruling royal families.

The history and significance of this family are well worth exploring for anyone interested in learning more about Monaco’s culture.

→ You might also enjoy reading: When is the best time to visit Monaco?

3- Monaco is a great destination for Formula 1 fans

The annual Monaco Grand Prix is one of the most exciting events on the F1 calendar.

This event has been around since 1929 and draws an incredible crowd of fans from across the globe every year.

🏎️ If you are a Formula 1 fan, you will love exploring the city’s streets and going on a Monaco Formula 1 Walking Tour .

If you want to actually watch the Grand Prix, however, you should know that tickets to this event don’t come cheap and can range from 175 euros to €231 for a race day.

You can read more about how to join the event here .

⛱️ Looking for the best places to eat, stay, and explore in Monaco?

In my Monaco Travel Guide , you will find all the best addresses, unique day trips, restaurants, hotels, and hidden gems in Monaco. Planning your trip has never been easier ❤️

4- Visit The Prince’s Palace of Monaco

No visit to Monaco would be complete without stopping by the official residence of The Prince.

The Prince’s Palace was originally built by the Grimaldi family over 700 years ago and has been expanded many times since then.

Tourists can visit the palace to learn more about the history of Monaco and its ruling family, as well as admire the magnificent architecture that defines this iconic landmark.

During certain times of the day, visitors will even have the chance to watch the guard-changing, which is definitely a fun experience.

🏰 Interested in visiting some of Monaco’s hidden gems? Then book this Monaco Hidden Gems Walking Tour.

5- Enjoy Monaco’s vibrant nightlife

Monaco is not only renowned for its luxury lifestyle but also its world-famous nightlife.

Monaco offers plenty of glamorous bars and clubs where you can let loose and party all night long.

From nightclubs like La Rascasse to chic lounges like Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo (my favorite!), Monaco is always exciting after sunset.

🌌 Want to experience Monaco at night? Then I highly recommend booking this Monaco and Monte-Carlo by Night Tour.

6- Princess Grace’s beautiful rose garden

The Princess Grace Rose Garden is located in Monaco’s Fontvieille district and is a tribute to the late Princess Grace – it is said that Princess Grace adored flowers and Prince Albert would frequently have flowers from all around the world sent to Monaco to surprise her.

This gorgeous garden features hundreds of different types of roses, arranged in a variety of shapes and colors that make it a spectacular sight to behold.

It’s also worth noting that this garden provides plenty of shady spots for visitors who wish to relax after sightseeing around Monaco and makes for a wonderful place for a picnic.

7- The Oceanographic Museum is one of the best in the world

If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is definitely worth visiting.

This museum is dedicated to the oceanic study, features multiple floors full of interactive exhibits that explore marine life in detail, and provides visitors with stunning views of the harbor from its terrace.

Also, it was one of the first’s aquariums in the world and an impressive work of architecture.

8- Larvotto Beach is lovely

Monaco ( different from Cannes ) only has one public beach: the beautiful Larvotto Beach – which I personally really love.

There, visitors can stroll along the boardwalks, take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea or simply relax on the sand and soak up some sun. There are also plenty of nice restaurants and cafés around.

Another way of enjoying the beautiful coast of Monaco is by going on a boat tour from Nice to Monaco.

9- It’s easy to visit from Nice or Cannes

One of the best things about Monaco is that it’s easy to get to from nearby cities such as Nice or Cannes .

The journey is short and convenient, so you won’t have to worry about spending too much time traveling there.

This makes it a great place to visit if you’re looking for a quick day trip!

10- It is a great shopping destination

Monaco is also a great shopping destination thanks to its many luxury boutiques and designer stores and the best part: it’s tax-free.

If you’re looking for high-end clothing, Monaco is a good place for it.

11- To see some of the world’s most luxurious cars

The streets of Monaco are also home to some of the world’s most luxurious cars.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just admire the beauty of these vehicles, it’s worth taking a look at.

12- It is a country on its own

Finally, it’s worth noting that Monaco is a country on its own.

Despite its small size, it has plenty to offer and should be considered a destination in its own right and worth visiting to add another country to your list.

Where to stay in Monaco

If you choose to spend a night in Monaco, there are plenty of luxurious hotels, but there are also some reasonably priced alternatives that provide excellent quality accommodation.

Otherwise, you can also stay in a lovely boutique hotel in Nice and go to Monaco on a day trip.

These are some of my favorites:

• Le Méridien Beach Plaza
• Port Palace
• Fairmont Monte Carlo
• Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Best Monaco Tours

• French Riviera Private Motorboat Cruise with Personal Skipper from Monaco
• Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
• From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip
• Monaco and Monte-Carlo by Night from Nice

Monaco Travel Guide & FAQ

Is a day trip to monaco worth it.

Definitely. Monaco is a small yet beautiful principality packed full of things to do and see. Whether you’re looking for adventure, luxury shopping opportunities, or simply some stunning views – a day trip is worth it!

What are the best places to visit in Monaco?

The most popular attractions include the Monte Carlo Casino, Larvotto Beach, and the Prince’s Palace of Monaco.

Is Monaco safe?

Monaco is one of the safest destinations in the world.

The streets are usually well-lit after dark and crime rates are extremely low.

What is the best time of year to visit Monaco?

The best time to visit Monaco is during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it can get quite crowded during these times, so be prepared for crowds! If that’s not your scene, then spring or early autumn might be better options as temperatures are still pleasant but there won’t be too many visitors.

Monaco travel tips

Finally, here are some travels tips you should know before visiting Monaco.

What to wear in Monaco

If you are wondering what to wear in Monaco, the answer is fairly simple: Although you can definitely go all out, there is not really a need for that unless you are visiting sophisticated restaurants and bars.

Smart casual attire such as trousers and a collared shirt or a nice house will usually do the trick for most occasions.

🧳 Still wondering what to pack for your trip? Then check out this guide on what to wear on the French Riviera .

Public transportation works well in Monaco

Monaco has a great public transportation network, so it’s easy to get around.

There are plenty of buses available throughout the principality that will make getting exploring this small country even easier.

If you prefer, you can also book a Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour , which is even more practical.

You can eat on a budget at the local market

If you are looking for a place to eat in Monaco for cheap, then the Marché Forville is a great option.

Located in the old town of Monaco, this market is full of stalls selling delicious local produce and homemade specialties – perfect for a light lunch or snack on the go.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to soak up the atmosphere and see some locals.

Monaco is lovely right before Christmas

If you’re visiting Monaco during the festive season, then you’ll be in for a treat.

The Principality is especially beautiful at this time of year with its twinkling lights and extravagant decorations.

Plus, there are lots of festive events taking place like carol concerts, art exhibitions, and traditional markets – so it’s worth seeing!

Conclusion: Is Monaco worth visiting?

That’s a wrap! As you can now tell, Monaco is definitely worth a visit, even if just on a tour from Nice.

I hope this guide was helpful and that you decide to explore Monaco on your next trip to the French Riviera.

→ Keep reading about Monaco here .

Oh! And if you are visiting the South of France soon, check out my travel guides , follow my Instagram and join my Facebook group for more hidden gems and travel tips. Happy travels!

Plan the perfect trip to the French Riviera

👗 Find all my favorite addresses in Nice on this travel guide.

📕 Get a personalized French Riviera itinerary here or check out my other travel planning services

🗺️ Book guided tours through Get Your Guide and Viator .

🛏️ Find the perfect hotel on Booking.com .

Continue reading:

• The 10 Best Monaco Tours (2024)
• When is the Best Time to Visit Monaco?
• 16 Best Restaurants in Monaco To Try in 2024
• Monaco Open Air Cinema: A Hidden-Gem in Monte-Carlo

Camila Neves

Nice to meet you! My name is Cami and I am a full-time traveler and foodie. I live in Nice in the South of France and this blog is where I share my impressions and travel secrets.

Recent Posts

How to Spend the Perfect One Day in Monaco Itinerary & Guide

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 15th March 2024

Categories Itineraries , Monaco

Last Updated on 15th March 2024 by Charlotte

Set alongside the glittering French ‘Côte d’Azur,’ Monaco is a tiny principality defined by its rocky nature and miniature size. Best-known for being the home of the wealthy (around 30% of the population are millionaires), here’s your ultimate guide on how to spend one day in Monaco.

Introducing Monaco

Is one day enough time to visit monaco, explore the old town, prince’s palace of monaco, monaco cathedral, old monaco museum, sainte-dévote chapel, visit the f1 race track.

• Walk around the Ports

See the Monte Carlo Casino

Enjoy sunset at the tête de chien, how to get to monaco, french riviera tips.

Monaco is not only a country in its own right, but also a city-state, meaning that the entirety of the autonomous state also lies within the city limits. Monaco is technically a principality, meaning that the head of State is a Prince. Prince Albert II is the current head of state and has been so since 2005.

Locals are known as Monégasques, and they even have their own Ligurian dialect, that of Monégasque. With this being said, it’s worth noting that the official language of Monaco is French (though you’ll easily get by with just English).

Many of the people who reside in Monaco choose to live there because there’s no income tax, though the Principality makes up for it with high corporation tax and steep VAT rates. The aquarium of the town was directed by Jacques Cousteau for no fewer than 17 years.

Monaco is one of the smallest countries in Europe , second only to the Vatican City in Rome. The territory is around 1 square mile in size and has a population of around 40,000 inhabitants.

As such, you can easily walk across the whole of the country in roughly an hour! One day in Monaco is more than enough time to explore all that this destination has to offer.

Monaco is also incredibly expensive, with many of the bars and bistros serving up food and drink at much higher rates than elsewhere along the French Riviera. For this reason alone, you might consider not spending more than a day exploring the country!

Suggested one day in Monaco Itinerary

Of course, the true highlight of a trip to Monaco is the chance to wander around the pastel hued streets of the old town. This is one of the busiest parts of the Principality and so be sure to keep an eye on your valuables at all times!

I would personally opt to visit the old town in the morning as the afternoon gets very busy and so you’ll get more of the place to yourself if you opt to visit earlier in the day. The Old Town is also where most eateries are located.

Many of Monaco’s main attractions are hidden amongst the little pedestrianised streets of the old town and so you’ll want to set aside a good few hours in order to enjoy everything that Monaco Old Town has to offer.

Perched atop ‘Le Rocher’ (the rock), the old town’s crowning jewel is the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, which is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco (surname Grimaldi) and began life in the 12th-century as a medieval fortress.

Today, Palace Guards stand outside of the Palace 24/7, and a Changing of the Guard (which you can watch for free) takes place every day at noon. You can visit the Palace on a daily basis for a small fee.

The centre of the square directly in front of the Palace boasts a late 20th-century bronze statue which celebrates François Grimaldi, a man who captured the area in the 13th-century after entering disguised as a monk, and whose descendants still rule the land to this day.

Monaco’s Cathedral is situated just a stone’s throw away from the Palace and is the final resting place for generation upon generation of Grimaldis. The Cathedral you see on site today is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and was constructed at the beginning of the 20th-century.

Monaco Cathedral is also the final resting place of Princess Grace of Monaco. Acclaimed Hollywood actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier in a highly publicised publicised ceremony in the mid 1950s.

The wedding led to plenty more intrigue about Monaco and its royals after Kelly met the Prince while starring in a film set in Monaco. Tragically, Grace Kelly died in a car accident in the early 1980s.

For those who are even more intrigued about the history of Monaco and how the city state came to be, there’s a free to visit Old Monaco Museum which is open exclusively on Wednesday and Fridays from 11 AM to 4 PM between June and September.

There are a variety of exhibitions on display, including ceramics, clothing, and displays detailing what Monaco was like in times gone by. In French, the museum is known as Musée du Vieux Monaco.

After a morning exploring the Old Town, I would recommend staying on Le Rocher to grab a bite to eat for lunch. If there’s one thing you should know before visiting Monaco, it’s that almost everything is very expensive and a ‘reasonably priced meal’ can still be quite pricey.

Le Rocher has the greatest concentration of bars and restaurants and will stand you in good stead for visiting the rest of Monaco. Some of the best lunch spot recommendations include La Tavernetta, Maison des Pâtes Condamine, and Le Petit Bar Monaco.

After leaving Le Rocher area, be sure to pay a visit to the Sainte-Dévote Chapel. There has been a chapel on site in some form or another since 1070, though the place of worship was heavily restored during the 16th-century. Today, visitors can see the small church which is close to the port.

Just a stone’s throw away from the Sainte-Devoté Chapel, visitors can see a statue that depicts one of the first race cars which participated in the Grand Prix. The bronze sculpture is one of several such dedicated to the Grand Prix in the city state.

Those with a particular penchant for cars will likely know that Monaco is well-known for hosting the Grand Prix. Well, since there is no actual dedicated race track, you can actually walk the route of the Grand Prix on foot since it’s just various streets of the city. Find a detailed map here.

Walk around the Port s

As I mentioned, Monaco is fairly tiny and compact, meaning that you can see almost all of the territory as soon as you arrive. One of the main attractions in the state are the ports. Monaco has two ports; Port Hercule and Port Fontvieille.

Port Hercule is a natural port located at the base of Le Rocher (the natural elevated rock upon which the old town was built) and is the best port to explore while in the city. You can easily meander along the docks, soak up the sun, and marvel at all of the different boats and yachts moored at the port.

Meanwhile, the other port in Monaco is Fontvieille, which is in an area of the city which was quite literally reclaimed from the sea. This area of the city is more residential and boasts a plethora of high rise luxury residences. This is also where most cruise ships dock close to.

While I am not a fan of gambling myself, I would say that the exterior of the Monte Carlo Casino is a must-see while in Monaco, particularly because it has served as a filming location for many top movies and TV shows over the years.

Monte Carlo is an administrative region of Monaco and it is largely centred around the casino, hence why the Casino is named Monte Carlo. The Casino was constructed after Monaco lost much of its territory to neighbouring France during the 1860s.

In order to continue drawing in crowds, the Prince of Monaco of the time commissioned a Casino. Today, rather curiously, it’s actually illegal for residents of Monaco to gamble in the Casino- use of the Casino is only reserved for visitors!

Though not technically within the confines of Monaco itself, end your day the right way by heading to the Tête de Chien for sunset. The viewpoint is perched atop of a 550 metres high rock in Southern France.

Unfortunately the viewpoint can only be reached via car and so if you’re not renting a car during your French Riviera trip then you won’t be able to enjoy the view. It is the highest point on the Grande Corniche road and offers views over the entirety of Monaco.

Easy to visit as a day trip from Nice , I would personally not bring a car to visit the city state, particularly considering that parking is often between €20 – €30 for a day. Instead, train connections to nearby cities such as Nice and Cannes could not be easier and so I personally would recommend taking the train to and from the city state.

The French Riviera (including the principal of Monaco) is in the South of France. France and Monaco use the Euro (€)

The French Riviera is best explored over the course of several days, preferably longer. Check here for our suggested French Riviera itinerary.

The main language spoken in France is French . Though you can get by with English in the more popular places along the French Riviera, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the local language. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier.

France uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adapter. I recommend buying  a universal travel adapter  that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).

As one of the most popular destinations in the world, you should always consider booking your accommodation well ahead of time. Check out this website for price comparison details and detailed reviews.

Be careful with your belongings. I also highly advise to avoid wearing a backpack and to instead opt for a crossbody bag  like these ones .  I personally use a crossbody bag  by this brand  and love its shape, size, and versatility.

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in Monaco? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Visit Monaco: Top 25 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in monaco: the 25 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Monaco, on the French Riviera , and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

Synonymous with luxury and opulence , this city (which is also the 2nd smallest country in the world, after the Vatican)   is world famous for its casino, 5* hotels, Michelin starred restaurants and the “Rock of Monaco”.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the 25 best things to do in Monaco, with all must-see attractions and points of interest of the city and its surroundings.

In addition to the best places to visit, you will also find itineraries to visit Monaco in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days (or more!) as well as my selection of the best hotels depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Monaco? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Rock of Monaco

2. the prince’s palace monaco, 3. saint nicholas cathedral, 4. saint martin gardens, 5. the oceanographic museum monaco, 6. monte carlo casino, 7. exotic garden of monaco, 8. the observatory cave, 9. port hercules, 10. the japanese garden, 11. the grimaldi forum, 12. fontvieille, 13. princess grace rose garden, 14. louis ii stadium, 15. best museums to visit in monaco, 16. the condamine market, 17. larvotto beach, 18. the zoological garden of monaco, 19. monaco grand prix, 20. shopping in monaco, 21. helicopter flight over monaco, 25. cap martin tour, 26. bonus: take a day trip from monaco, how many days to visit monaco, visit monaco in 1 day, visit monaco in 2 days, visit monaco in 3 days, where to stay in monaco, where to stay in nice, where to eat in monaco, is it possible to fly to monaco, how to get to monaco from nice, organised one-day trip to monaco with transport, rent a boat in monaco, tourist map of monaco, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you, visit monaco: 25 must-see attractions.

Start with Monaco’s unmissable landmark: the Rock.

This is where the history of the city began when, in 1297, Francesco Grimaldi , disguised as a monk, successfully captured The Rock to found the famous Grimaldi dynasty and the Principality of Monaco, still in power today.

The Rock, a district in its own right, constitutes the old town of Monaco or “Monaco City”. The best way to get there is on foot so you can enjoy the views over the harbour and the city .

Very different from the modern part of the city with its buildings, the historic heart of Monaco has narrow streets, colourful houses, and of course no end of souvenir shops and restaurants.

Visit the Monaco Rock and you’ll also discover a raft of iconic places of interest:

• The Prince’s palace (I tell you more about it below)
• Saint Nicholas Cathedral (point 3)
• The Saint Martin Gardens, see point 4
• The Oceanographic Museum  (point 5)

Before you go to Monaco , you can book your “Pass Côte d’Azur France”. It offers access to 3 or 5 activities from a list of more than 100 attractions.

In Monaco, for example, you can visit the Oceanographic Museum and the Museum of Stamps and Coins.

You can also take the hop-on-hop-off bus that runs all day in Monaco on a route offering 12 stops. Headphones are provided so you can learn more about the various landmarks.

Book your pass to visit Monaco and the French Riviera by clicking on the green button below:

The Prince’s Palace is the main tourist attraction in Monaco. It is located on the Place du Palais , right at the top of the Rock.

Built in the 13th century , it is still the residence of the Grimaldi family, the Prince of Monaco, Albert II and his wife Charlène of Monaco.

Part of the Prince ‘s Palace is open to visitors, but only from April to October. In particular, you can discover:

• The main courtyard and its marble double rise staircase
• The Hercules Gallery and its sumptuous frescoes representing mythological characters
• The State Apartments: several rooms adorned with luxurious furniture, rich drapes and paintings. It is here that the Prince receives his prestigious guests during official ceremonies. You can also admire the Throne Room.

For details of opening times and prices for your visit to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, see the official website.

Every day, at 11.55 am on the dot , you can see the changing of the guard of the Company of Carabiniers on the Place du Palais.

I recommend that you continue this tour of Monaco with the Saint Nicholas cathedral , also in the old town district.

Built in 1875, it is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception . Its façade, in the Romanesque-Byzantine style, was entirely made of white stones from La Turbie region.

It is in this cathedral that Prince Rainier married the very famous American actress Grace Kelly in 1956. The tomb of Princess Grace of Monaco, as well as that of the deceased Princes, can be seen inside.

You will also be able to admire the two great organs, the high altar, the episcopal throne and an altarpiece dating back to 1500.

Entry to Monaco’s Saint Nicholas Cathedral is free of charge.

Continue your walk in Monaco through the Saint Martin Gardens, directly accessible from an entrance opposite the cathedral.

The first public garden in the Principality of Monaco, opened in 1816, offers several steep paths flanked by rocks where you can contemplate the panoramic sea views.

It’s the perfect place in Monaco if you want to enjoy the fresh air and discover many sculptures.

You’re going to Monaco?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Monaco on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Monaco.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Monaco, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Monaco!

If there’s one activity I recommend you do in Monaco, it’s to visit the Oceanographic Museum.

It is not far from the cathedral, and is just a few minutes’ walk through the Saint Martin Gardens.

Located in a magnificent building built on the edge of the mythical rock, this oceanographic institute created in 1910 by Prince Albert I was for a long time managed by Commander Cousteau.

Today, the museum is divided into two parts:

• An aquarium where you can watch sharks, turtles, piranhas and more Mediterranean species such as moray eels and jellyfish.
• A museum with impressive whale and dolphin skeletons, models and fossils on display.

Several activities are also offered: sound and light, touch tank and feeding the animals.

The museum is really well done and very interesting . It’s an ideal outing for the family in Monaco! Plan on spending around two hours there.

 It is the most popular tourist attraction in Monaco, so it gets really busy! To save time and skip the line, I suggest you buy your tickets online by clicking here:

Entry is included with the Pass Côte d’Azur France .

If you don’t feel like walking, it is possible to visit Monaco by small tourist train.

It leaves from in front of the Oceanographic Museum and offers a tour with commentary in 12 languages. The tour takes about thirty minutes and passes the old town, the Palace, the Casino, Monte-Carlo and the palaces.

More information is available on the official website.

During your trip to Monaco , be sure to visit the Monte Carlo Casino. Even if you are not a fan of slot machines or roulette, you should at least admire its exterior façade.

The casino was built in 1863 by Charles Garnier the same architect who was responsible for the Opéra Garnier in Paris. Inside, you will find the Opera Hall (a replica of the one in Paris) which hosts numerous concerts and games rooms, all of which are beautifully decorated.

You can visit the inside of the casino in the morning (there is a charge) but from 2.00 pm, entry is restricted to gamblers.

The casino is located on the Casino Square (Place du Casino) and is part of the most famous area of Monaco: Monte Carlo.

In Monte Carlo you will also find:

• The iconic Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo , a palace of world renown where the rates for one night start from €530. The luxury price for an exceptional stay in Monaco! You can book your night at the Hotel de Paris by clicking here .
• The “Le Louis XV” restaurant run by chef Alain Ducasse has been awarded 3 Michelin stars
• The Café de Paris is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail with a view of the Casino, or buy an ice cream created by the Ice Cream World Champion, no less.
• Luxury boutiques and jewellery shops in the area known as the “Golden Square”. Let me give you more details about shopping in Monaco a little further away.

To discover the Monte Carlo neighbourhood and the Rock , you can also choose a guided tour. 

You can take the minivan service for up to 8 people from right in front of your Monaco hotel , and you will be accompanied by Renaud, your tour leader. He’s very nice and knows the city like the back of his hand!

On the agenda: the Prince’s Palace, the old town, the cathedral, the Casino and the Hôtel de Paris. These tours are organised at the end of the day so you can enjoy the night-time atmosphere and the illuminated buildings.

Book your guided tour of Monaco by clicking on the following button:

Another Monaco tourist attraction I recommend you visit: the Exotic Garden.

Located high up in the city , this garden extending over 15,000 m² is home to hundreds of cacti and other exotic plant species, especially from the American continent.

In addition to its extreme richness, the Exotic Garden of Monaco allows you to contemplate a beautiful panorama of the Principality and the Riviera.

Prices and times are available on the official website.

The Exotic Garden affords one of the most beautiful views of the Rock of Monaco.

The admission ticket to the Exotic Garden also includes a visit to the Observatory Cave.

The entrance is at the base of the garden cliff.

Guided tours (mandatory) leave every hour from 10.00 am and enable you to discover the caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites . Remnants of animal bones, found nearby, bear witness to the existence of prehistoric men in the area.

Good to know: in addition to the cave and the garden, your ticket includes entrance to the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology.

If you want to and admire the yachts while you’re in Monaco, head for Port Hercules!

Located below the Monte Carlo district, at the foot of the Rock , the city’s main harbour is where luxury cruise ships and pleasure boats dock.

Every year, the Port Hercules dock also hosts the Monaco funfair, which usually takes place between October and November. If you have decided to visit Monaco during the All Saints holidays, it is a great place to head with the family!

The funfair then gives way to the Christmas village of Monaco where you will find the traditional Christmas market as well as a large outdoor skating rink, merry-go-rounds, the Ferris wheel and shows.

I continue this guide of Monaco through the Japanese Garden.

Right in the heart of the buildings, this place is a little different, with its pools filled with Koi carp, its small pavilions and its zen atmosphere.

Designed by the landscape architect Yasuo Beppu at the request of Prince Rainier III, most of the wooden elements or tiles were imported directly from Japan.

This real haven of peace also includes a traditional tea house.

Entrance is free.

As you exit the Japanese garden, you will come across the building of the Grimaldi Forum : Monaco’s Congress Centre and Cultural Centre.

With its futuristic design, constructed entirely in glass and steel, you won’t miss it.

This cultural centre organises several exhibitions throughout the year and hosts many events of international importance such as the Monte Carlo Television Festival, ballets and the Champions League group draw.

Check the Grimaldi Forum website if you want to see a concert or visit an exhibition during your stay in Monaco.

After visiting the Rock and Monte Carlo areas, I suggest you continue your tour of Monaco with another iconic district: Fontvieille.

Considered as the “residential and working class” neighbourhood, Fontvieille was built right by the sea . You will find a marina, restaurants as well as many shops there.

During your visit to Fontvieille, you can walk the Sculpture Path , a route adorned with several contemporary works by internationally renowned artists.

Also in the Fontvieille area, a stroll through the landscaped park is a must, especially to discover the Princess Grace Rose Garden.

Created by Prince Rainier III, in homage to his late wife, the rose garden presents more than 300 varieties of roses , organised in 7 different themes and spreading over more than 5000 m².

It would be a shame to miss it as entry is free of charge.

Fontvieille is also home to one of the largest sports complexes in Europe: the Louis II stadium.

Football fans will know that this is where AS Monaco trains and plays. But the stadium also includes an athletic track, a sports hall and an Olympic swimming pool.

Numerous international competitions are held here every year.

The stadium is open to visitors every day (except Saturday and Sunday) between April and September. Details can be found right here.

The Oceanographic Museum is definitely the must-see museum in Monaco, but if you want a little more culture , I recommend you visit other museums:

• The collection of cars of HSH the Prince of Monaco , an exhibition of hundred of cars of all ages ranging from carriages to Lamborghinis and the racing cars used in the Monte Carlo Rally and the F1 Monaco Grand Prix. Official website.
• The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology on the evolution of humanity. Do not miss the mammoth skeleton found in Siberia and reconstructed in the museum. Entry is included with your ticket to the exotic garden and the cave.
• The Museum of Stamps and Coins and its collection of rare philatelic pieces
• The Old Monaco Museum with its furniture, objects and costumes representing life on the Rock at the time
• The Monaco Naval Museum and its collection of model boats
• The New National Museum of Monaco is located in two buildings: Villa Sauber and Villa Paloma. It hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

Fancy doing some shopping and picking up lots of fruit and vegetables grown in the sun during your weekend in Monaco ?

I advise you to go to the Condamine Market. You will find everything you need to prepare a great Mediterranean meal!

It is located on the Place d’Armes , and extends into the covered markets that include shops selling specialities from Monaco, Italy and even Asia .

The market is held every day from 7.00 am to 3.00 pm.

After shopping at the market, you can take a short walk around the Condamine district, which is the heart of Monaco.

This is a shopping district par excellence, full of small shops, restaurants and cafés. I recommend the following streets:

• Rue Grimaldi
• Rue Terrazzani
• Rue Princesse Caroline, pedestrianised

Since the Principality is located on the seafront, you can use your trip to Monaco to enjoy a dip or simply sunbathe.

The closest beach to the centre is the Larvotto beach, in the neighbourhood of the same name. It is located on Avenue Princesse Grace.

This beach, at over 400 metres, is well equipped and lined with restaurants . Guests can also enjoy water activities such as windsurfing or jet skiing.

There are also two other places to go swimming in Monaco:

• The fishermen’s cove, a tiny creek located below the Rock. Access is prohibited in case of heavy swell.
• The Solarium beach: located towards Fort Antoine, this is an artificial swimming area. Swimming is forbidden even in rough seas.

If you want to try some water activities, I recommend:

• A jet ski outing with an instructor or a jet ski rental to go where you want
• A flyboard session 
• A day of free-diving discovery with Pierre Frolla, the discipline’s four times world record-holder
• Canyoning for a great family outing idea!

If you’ve decided to go on holiday to Monaco with your children,

in addition to the Oceanographic Museum, I suggest you take them to the Zoological Garden .

It is located on the terraces of Fontvieille , on the south side of the Rock.

The garden is unique in collecting only animals that have been abandoned or given to it: no animals were purchased. Today, it has about 50 species including turtles , hippos , reptiles and birds.

This is the highlight annual event in Monaco: the Formula 1 Grand Prix!

This legendary race is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. It was first held in 1929 and has seen a succession of distinguished drivers like Fangio, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

The circuit that takes place entirely in town , passes through the Port Hercules, Monte Carlo and the Condamine.

The Monaco Grand Prix is held at the end of May every year.

If you dream of stepping into a racing driver’s shoes and driving beautiful high-powered cars , I advise you to book a ride in Ferrari or Lamborghini.

For 30 or 60 minutes , you can choose to drive these cars or be a passenger, always accompanied by a sprofesional instructor.

To book your Ferrari tour in Monaco , click here:

And for a day trip in a Lamborghini , it’s just here:

If you’re short of things to do in Monaco after discovering all the tourist attractions, it’s time to go shopping.

Alongside Milan , Paris and London , Monaco is undeniably one of the top destinations for luxury shopping. Fashionistas will be spoilt for choice between the haute couture boutiques, perfumeries and jewellery shops.

You will find the main luxury boutiques within the famous “Golden Square” which includes the Boulevard des Moulins, Boulevard d’Italie and Avenue Princesse Grace.

Most of them are located in the Metropole Shopping Centre (opposite the Casino Gardens), at the One Monte Carlo (allée des Boulingrins) or at the YCM Gallery (on the Yacht Club quay).

For more affordable items, I recommend the Fontvieille shopping centre or the shops of La Condamine.

There is nothing like a helicopter flight to see all Monaco’s landmarks from above.

On a ten-minute flight, you can discover incredible aerial views of the Prince’s Palace, the Oceanographic Museum and the Casino.

You can book this amazing experience by clicking on the button below:

What to do around Monaco?

Following these suggestions for your visit to the Principality of Monaco, it’s time to discover the things to do in the surroundings of Monaco.

Here is a list of my four favourite places that are easily accessible from the city.

Menton is the perfect place for a day trip around Monaco.

The two towns are only around km away, or about 30 minutes by car or 10 minutes by train ( information and timetables are available here ).

To visit Menton, known as the “Pearl of France”, nothing beats a stroll on foot to admire the colourful façades of the houses, the picturesque alleys and enjoy the views of the sea and the city.

I advise you not to miss:

• The Basilica of Saint Michael and its impressive courtyard of 250,000 pebbles
• The White Penance Chapel for its view
• Rue du Longue, the main street in the old town
• The Pian Park and its 500 olive trees
• The Saint-Michel plateau and its panorama of the whole city
• Jean Cocteau Museum
• Les Halles market

It is impossible for me not to mention Nice among the must-see cities around Monaco . And for good reason, since I lived there for nearly 20 years!

In addition to the famous Promenade des Anglais , I suggest you explore:

• Old Nice with the Cours Saleya, the Place Rossetti and the Place du Palais de Justice
• The castle hill and its views over the Baie des Anges and the city
• The Cimiez neighbourhood
• Mount Boron

To prepare for your stay in Nice, if you have planned a short weekend in PACA region , you should read my article dedicated to the city right here: The 17 best places to visit in Nice?

If you would like to plan a short stay to visit several towns on the French Riviera (Nice, Antibes, Cannes, etc.), I also recommend reading my article: One week itinerary on the French Riviera.

Also close to Monaco , the small village of Eze is well worth a visit.

Eze is split into two: one part on the seafront and “Eze Village” , which is the most interesting to visit. Perched on top of the cliff, this small mediaeval village is very picturesque.

Full of charm with its cobbled alleys and stone houses with flower-bedecked façades, it offers splendid panoramas on the whole coast .

Not to be missed: a visit to the exotic botanical garden (a bit like Monaco) and its collection of cacti.

From Monaco , it is possible to get to Eze by train.

To enjoy the landscapes of the French Riviera and the seafront, nothing beats a short hike.

Heading towards Monaco, one of the most beautiful and easy is the one that goes around Cap Martin , between Menton and Monaco.

It offers beautiful views and you can even have a swim if the weather is favourable. Stairs in the rock allow you to reach the water in several places.

The walk starts at Carnolès beach, and the loop is about 5 km long.

For the more motivated among you, it is possible to go from Monaco to Menton (or from Menton to Monaco!) on foot, going around Cap Martin. This walk is just 10 km and should take around 3 hours.

Want a VIP experience from Monaco?

Let me help!

Here are two options that allow you to discover the surroundings of Monaco by boat away from other tourists.

1) Book a private boat trip from Monaco

I think this is the best way to make the most of your day at sea in Monaco!

You rent a boat with a skipper , and he will take you to the most beautiful corners of the French Riviera .

Motor boat, sailing boat, catamaran or even yacht : just choose the right boat for your dream day!

I always recommend that you rent a boat with skipper as early as possible , as this type of VIP day trip is very much in demand, and it would be a shame to miss out!

You will find all boats with skipper in Monaco by clicking on the button below:

2) Rent a boat to discover the areas around Monaco

If you have the boat licence, the other option for a great day at sea is simply to rent a boat!

It’s very simple to do: click on the button below and book your boat immediately:

A quick tour of Monaco is possible in just 1 day , but if you want to visit the museums , it is best to plan for 2 days.

In 3 days , you will have time to discover the surrounding areas.

I explain how to visit Monaco in 1, 2 or 3 days below:

If you have opted to spend 1 day in Monaco , I suggest this itinerary:

• Explore the Rock: passing via the Prince ‘s Palace, a walk through the alleys, and a visit to the cathedral
• Take in the Saint Martin gardens
• Visit the Oceanographic Museum
• Lunch at the Condamine market or in a nearby restaurant
• Visit the Fontvieille district
• Opt to visit one of the museums , the rose garden or the exotic garden
• End the day at the Casino : for a shopping session/the slot machines/dinner in a Michelin-starred restaurant – the choice is yours!

Another good way to see as much as possible in a day is to opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. In Monaco, the bus stops at the Rock, Monte Carlo, Fontvieille and Larvotto.

Tickets can be booked here:

 Travel on the bus for one day is included in the Pass Côte d’Azur France.

For a 2-day stay in Monaco , I recommend the following programme:

• Explore the Rock district
• Visit the Prince’s Palace (in season)
• Stroll through the old town , passing by the cathedral
• Admire the view from the Saint Martin Gardens
• Stroll around Fontvieille
• Visit the Princess Grace Rose Garden
• Choose a local museum to visit : Naval Museum, the car collection of Prince Rainier, Stamp Museum / or the Zoological Garden if you have children
• Why not treat yourself to a helicopter flight?
• Start with the exotic garden of Monaco
• Guided tour of the Observatory Cave and the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology (included in the ticket for the garden)
• Lunch at the Condamine market or one of the local restaurants
• A walk along Port Hercules to admire the yachts
• You can continue to the Japanese Garden
• Then make your way back to the Monte Carlo district
• (Window) shopping in the Golden Square
• Explore the Casino Square 
• If you have the budget, dine in one of the restaurants at the Hotel de Paris and end the evening at the Casino.

If you are spending 3 days in Monaco , start with the programme above.

On the third day, explore the surrounding are: Menton, Eze, Nice or a trip around Cap Saint-Martin are all options.

If you want to spend longer in Monaco , you can relax on the Larvotto beach or visit the museums that you didn’t have time see.

Here is the list of the best hotels to stay at in Monaco , depending on your budget. A little further down, I will also give you the best hotels in Nice, as many of you will probably want to sleep there!

• Hotels de France: located 200 metres from the Prince’s Palace. Double room from €135. Strong points: the price for Monaco, cleanliness, the friendly staff.
• Novotel Monte Carlo: located 600 metres from the Casino. Modern and bright double rooms from €170, breakfast included. Strong points: the swimming pool, the setting, the great breakfast. It is our favourite for its price/services in Monaco.
• Fairmont Monte Carlo: located 500 metres from Larvotto beach. Comfortable and warm double rooms from €231, breakfast from €39. Strong points: the large swimming pool, the excellent bedding, the waterfront location.
• Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: located 300 metres from Larvotto beach. Modern and spacious double room with balcony from €290, breakfast €38. Strong points: the swimming pool area, the spa, the casino, the view.

And I end this selection of the best hotels in Monaco with the 5* category:

• Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo: located in the Golden Square. Classic room with wooden furniture and marble bathroom from €370, breakfast €43. Strong points: the spa, gourmet cuisine, private parking. The hotel was named the Best Hotel in France/Monaco by the Readers Choice Award. 
• Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo: located 200 metres from the Casino. This palace, listed as a historical monument, offers elegant rooms with sophisticated décor from €390, breakfast €43. Strong points: the winter garden, the spa, the terrace, the Michelin-starred restaurant. One of the best luxury hotels in Monaco!
• Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo: located on the Casino Square. You can enjoy sumptuous rooms decorated with great taste from €59, breakfast €46. Strong points: the swimming pool, the luxury, the highly attentive staff. This is the iconic hotel to stay at in Monaco!
• Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture : Located about 15 minutes from the beach on foot. Nice place, very friendly staff, great location and comfortable beds. Only 20€ per night in dormitory. Double room at 55€. This is the best hostel for a budget stay in Nice!
• Hôtel Brice Garden : Located in the hear of Nice, 5 minutes walk from the beach and Promenade des Anglais. Very well furnished and clean room from 80€ per night. Excellent value for money. Friendly and welcoming staff. The best value hotel if you want to stay in the city center! Needs to be booked as soon as possible, lots of demand.
• Hôtel le Saint Paul : Located 50 meters from the Nice harbor, in a quiet area, with an amazing sea view. Large bright room from 95€ per night, buffet breakfast for 12€. Plus: free private parking. My favorite in Nice!
• Hôtel Le Royal Promenade des Anglais : Located right on the Promenade des Anglais in a historic building. Prestigious room decorated in a classic style, very bright, from 135€ per night, breakfast at 15€.
• Hôtel Negresco: Located on the Promenade des Anglais, this exceptional hotel is simply the best in Nice. The rooms are magnificent, the view is stunning, the staff is amazing and the restaurant is one of the best in town. It’s the best choice for a luxury stay in Nice!
• The Café de Paris: As I mentioned, the terrace at the Café de Paris is the perfect place to eat in Monaco. Guests can enjoy the view of the Casino and watch the luxury cars. The Café’s brasserie serves good traditional dishes, but you should expect to pay a little more for being in this trendy spot!
• The Perles de Monte-Carlo : located at the harbour of Fontvieille. Seafood and fish restaurant with guaranteed freshness! A very welcoming and pleasant for a restaurant.
• Valentine: located in the Park Palace shopping centre. This small Italian restaurant serves high quality, delicious pasta and excellent wines for a very good price.

There are also several Michelin-starred restaurants in Monaco.

For a stylish evening in a Michelin-starred restaurant, I recommend:

• The Vistamar: one Michelin star, located in the Hotel Hermitage .
• The Joel Robuchon Monte-Carlo Restaurant: 2 stars in the Michelin Guide, located in Hotel Metropole.
• The Louis XV Alain-Ducasse: 3 Michelin stars, located at the Hôtel de Paris.

How to get to Monaco?

Monaco does not have an airport. You will therefore have to land in Nice before continuing to Monaco.

The prices of flights to Nice vary greatly, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tools in partnership with Skyscanner. This will guarantee you the best price.

To get to Monaco from Nice , you have several options:

1) A private transfer from Nice airport. Book in advance by clicking here!

2) By boat: in summer (from June to the end of September), a ferry runs between Nice and Monaco . The circuit takes only one hour with a departure from Nice at 9.30 am and drop-off at 6.00 pm.

This allows you to spend a full day in Monaco, and is the best way to admire the beautiful landscapes of the French Riviera from the sea.

Remember to book in advance by clicking on the button below:

3) By bus: it is the cheapest solution (€1.50 per ticket) but much slower than the train.

In summer, the buses also get very full, so you could spend the whole journey standing up.

To get from Nice to Monaco by bus , you will need to take line 100 from the harbour.

4) Take the train. 

You can catch the bus from the airport to the train station. A train journey between Nice and Monaco takes only 20 minutes and costs less than €5.

I advise you to check the train schedules and rates and book your tickets directly here:

5) Rent a car which may be useful if you have planned a route to visit the French Riviera.

I recommend that you use the Rentalcars.com site, which is the fastest and most reliable way to compare prices.

Compare car rental prices in Nice and Monaco now:

6) The latest trendy means of transport to reach Monaco from Nice: a convertible mini car. 

A GPS and an itinerary to follow will be provided so as not to miss out on the most beautiful places on the way, and visit Monaco.

To book, click here!

You can also opt to stay in Nice and make a day trip to Monaco.

In this case, you can get there by bus, train or car, although there are also organised day trips.

This type of outing is very practical as you are picked up directly from your hotel and you can benefit from the services of a driver and a tour leader throughout the day. You are sure to miss nothing, and you don’t have to bother with public transport.

There are two types of excursions from Nice:

• Half-day tour with a visit to the village of Eze and of course Monaco :
• A full day where you can not only visit Monaco but also discover the other most beautiful cities of the French Riviera like Eze, Antibes and Cannes . A stop in the beautiful village of Saint-Paul de Vence is also included.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your stay in Monaco, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Monaco? 😊

To help you visualise the city a bit better, I have created this tourist map of Monaco , with all the best places to visit and things to do in Monaco and its surroundings.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow on it.

If you need help planning your stay in Monaco, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

France travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed here.

French Riviera

• French Riviera: Top 25 best places to visit and activities
• Itinerary: 1 Week in French Riviera – the definitive guide for your 7-8 days trip
• Antibes: Top 20 best places to visit
• Cannes: The 20 best things to do and activities
• Monaco: 25 Best places to visit
• Nice: 15 things you must do and see

Other French Cities

• Annecy: 12 things to do and see
• Honfleur: Top 15 things to discover
• La Rochelle: Top 15 things to do and must-see attractions
• Lyon: 21 Best things to do
• Marseille: Top 33 best things to do and see
• Nantes: The 15 best things to do
• Reims: Top 15 things to do and see
• Rennes: The 15 things you must do!
• Strasbourg: The 25 must-see attractions

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Home » Travel Guides » Monaco » 25 Best Things to Do in Monaco

25 Best Things to Do in Monaco

Monaco sits on the glamorous French Riviera and is known for being a small principality headed by the Prince of Monaco. The principality stretches for two square kilometers but what it may lack in size it certainly makes up for in style. This is one of the most affluent spots in the world as well as being blessed with an abundance of nature.

Lined with blue seas, the warm climate here is the perfect weather for the palm trees that dot the lanes and you will find exotic flowers and lush vegetation galore. One of the best known areas of the principality is The Rock or Le Rocher which is a large rocky bluff which is also the home of the main part of the city called Monaco-Ville. Easily accessible from neighboring Nice in France, this is the place to come for glitz and glamour, and if you fancy trying your luck then you can spend time in the casinos here and cultivate your inner James Bond.

Here are the best things to do in Monaco :

1. Tour the Palais du Prince

Monaco is known for being a principality and you can see this first hand at the Palais du Prince.

The palace sits high above Monaco and dates from the 13th century when it would have been a Genoese fortress.

You can visit the palace when the Prince is not in residence, and an easy way to tell is to look for the flag in the main tower.

If it is raised then it means that the Prince is at home.

Some of the highlights of a visit include the gallery modeled in the Italianate style, as well as the Blue Room which is known for its blue and gold decorations.

There is also an ornate Throne Room and a Palatine Chapel.

2. Visit the Monte Carlo Casino

The Casino de Monte Carlo is one of the most famous casinos in the world, particularly as it was built in the flamboyant Beaux Arts style in 1893. The marble atrium is similarly lavish in style and you will find 28 onyx columns that welcome you to the Gaming Rooms.

Fans of James Bond are certain to enjoy the scenery, as this is said to have been the setting for the James Bond novel Casino Royale.

There are different gaming rooms here that are decorated in a variety of themes, but make sure you look up and take in the chandeliers and the stunning artwork as you try your luck.

Related tour: Lights of Monaco and Monte Carlo: 5-Hour Evening Tour

3. Visit the Musée Oceanographique

The Musée Oceanographique is 90 meters above sea level and it took 11 years to construct the foundations that stop the museum toppling to the ground.

It was officially opened in 1910 which makes it one of the oldest aquariums in the world and is dedicated to marine artifacts and oceanography.

One of the signature sections of the museum is the collection of scientific items that date from an exploration undertaken by Prince Albert I as well as Jacques-Yves Cousteau.

There are also three aquariums here including a Mediterranean Aquarium, a Tropical Aquarium, and a Shark Lagoon.

There are over 6,000 marine life creatures here and 100 different pools that are designed to mimic their natural environment include reconstructed coral reefs.

Younger visitors can enjoy a dedicated touch tank to get up close to critters like sea urchins, starfish, and baby sharks.

Book online : Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket

4. Walk around Jardin Exotique

Located in Fontvieille just outside of the city center is the Jardin Exotique.

This garden sits high on a towering bluff that looks out over the ocean and you will find lush surroundings coupled with stunning vistas.

The garden first opened its doors in 1933 and you will find a surprising mix of plants including African and Latin American species that grow here due to the warm weather.

There are 7,000 species of plants on show and you can also explore an Observatory Cave that is covered in stalactites and stalagmites.

5. Visit the Monaco Cathedral

Monaco Cathedral stands out because of the white stones that were used in its construction.

Built in the Roman-Byzantine style, the cathedral houses the remains of the former princes of Monaco including Prince Rainier.

The cathedral was built in 1875 although some of the artifacts inside are older such as an altar piece which was painted in 1500. Other items to look out for include a grand organ as well as the main throne which is carved from white marble.

6. Sunbathe at Larvotto Beach

Close to the iconic Avenue Princess Grace is Larvotto Beach which is also the only public beach in the principality.

The beach is surrounded by nets so that swimmers can bathe without the fear of jellyfish or if you prefer to stay out of the water then you can sunbathe on the strip of golden sand.

Water sports are popular here including jet skiing and sea kayaking.

7. Wander around Les Jardins Saint-Martin

Les Jardins Saint-Martin look over the sparkling Mediterranean Sea below and are known for a memorial statue of Prince Albert I. The gardens skirt along the coast and take you along the Le Rocher coastline.

The flowers here are both indigenous and exotic thanks to the warm Mediterranean climate that helps them to grow.

You can go for a wander around the gardens and check out the dainty pools, pretty fountains, and stunning views over the azure waters.

8. Watch a race at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix

Monte Carlo is known for its Formula One Races that take place every year in May.

What makes the race so special is that it cuts through the streets of the city past Boulevard Albert I and past the famous Monte-Carlo Fairmont Hotel.

The race has an illustrious place in history and has been in operation since the beginning of the 20th century and it is definitely worth attending if you should happen to be in Monaco at the right time.

9. Have a drink at Quay Jean Charles Rey

Quay Jean Charles Rey sits on the water and is located on the other side of Le Rocher.

It is known for being a scenic place to have a drink and you will find a range of cafes and eateries overlooking the quay here including oddities like a traditional English pub.

If you are looking for a good way to end a busy day in Monaco then this makes a great choice for a sundowner.

10. Watch a show at the Opera de Monte Carlo

Also known as Salle Garnier, the Opera de Monte Carlo is located on the iconic Place de Casino which is the most famous spot in all of Monaco.

The opera house was built in 1878 and its main performance space is covered in pretty red and gold decorations.

You will also find ornate carvings here in the form of frescoes and sculptures and if you like opera, ballet, or musical concerts then don’t miss the chance to catch a show in this opulent setting.

11. Visit the Monaco Naval Museum

Looking over the marina in Monaco is the Monaco Naval Museum which first opened its doors in the 1990s and has a range of maritime related memorabilia including over 250 ships in model form.

Many of the items on display here belonged to Prince Rainier III and were donated to the museum from his private collection.

The museum takes you back in time with a look at Roman ships, traditional Viking longboats, and graceful Spanish galleons.

There is even a model of the Titanic as well as the Nimitz, a US warship that is also the largest in the world.

12. Tour Monaco Harbor

Located at the base of Monaco’s famous blustery cliffs is the main harbor of Monaco.

Yachts bob on the water and the harbor, which is also known as Port de la Condamine, dates from 1901. The Prince’s main yacht is located here as well as those of many moneyed Monaco residents, so this is a top spot to check out these amazing vessels, even if you don’t get to go aboard.

There are also a range of eateries and cafes here which mean that you can have a snack while enjoying the vistas over the water.

13. Do some shopping

Monaco is known for its opulence which also means that you can expect to find a good range of upscale shopping opportunities here.

These include perfume, jewelry, and other designer and luxury goods, and one of the best places to splash some cash in Monaco is along the Avenue de Monte-Carlo.

If you are looking for famous fashions then you will find these on the swish Boulevard des Moulins.

Avenue Princess Grace, named in honor of Grace Kelly, is also another good choice if you want to find some elegant clothes and accessories.

14. Visit the Nouveau Musee National de Monaco

Nestled inside two villas is the Nouveau Musee National de Monaco.

The villas are known as Villa Paloma and Villa Sauber and are filled with contemporary art exhibitions which include pretty paintings as well as photography.

The museum also operates as a kind of conservation center and works on restoring traditional art work such as antique dolls and costumes.

15. Wander around the Princess Grace Rose Garden

The Princess Grace Rose Garden is a moving visit for anyone who was a fan of the American film star Grace Kelly, who was married to the former prince of Monaco, Prince Rainier.

It was Prince Rainier III who built the garden in memory of his wife who was killed in a car crash and it first opened its doors in 1984. The park spans four hectares of land and has a dainty lake surrounded by palm trees and even an olive grove.

As the name suggests, you will also find over 8,000 rose bushes here.

16. Visit Casino Square

Casino Square is one of the most iconic spots in Monaco and any James Bond fans will want to make the trip here.

The square is the home of the Casino of Monte Carlo which was made famous in the book Casino Royale, but if you don’t have the cash to gamble the night away then a visit to the square is probably the next best thing.

The buildings here are all illuminated at night and include the world-famous casino as well as the Hotel de Paris and the opera house.

17. Admire the Collection de Voitures Anciennes

Located in Fontvielle is the Collection of Voitures Anciennes which is an exhibition featuring some of the private cars in the collection of the Prince of Monaco.

There are around 100 cars and models and many of these are vintage vehicles from Europe or America.

There is also a display of old fashioned coaches here and car-enthusiasts should make sure not to miss this spot off the itinerary.

18. Explore the Jardin Japonais

You may not think of a traditional Japanese garden when you think of Monaco but this is exactly what you will find on a bluff to the east of the principality.

Here you can tour a typical Zen garden which is covered in pretty plants as well as water features and stone work.

The park stretches for 7,000 meters and has an idyllic waterfall as well as a babbling brook.

There is even a strip of beach here if you are looking to spend some time in one of the quieter spots in Monaco.

19. Admire the Musee de la Chapelle de la Visitation

Another museum located on Le Rocher is the Musee de la Chapelle de la Visitation.

The spot marks the site of the Chapelle de la Visitation which is a baroque chapel that dates from the 17th century and has now been made into a museum where you can take in a range of galleries dedicated to religious art work and scripture.

Some of the other highlights here include a range of paintings by some of the most famous Italian masters.

20. Watch a performance at Fort Antoine

Fort Antonie is a military fortification which has now been transformed into a stunning outdoor theater space.

In the summer months you can watch a range of performances here and the main area can seat up to 350 spectators at one time.

Shows are in French although many people come here simply to spend an evening under the stars in one of the most picturesque spots in Monaco.

21. Discover the Moneghetti District

The Moneghetti District in Monaco is located to the west of the principality and is known for its palatial villas, perfectly manicured gardens, and slanting terraces.

The journey to this district is an adventure in itself and winds around roads cut into the cliff side, so it is not for the faint of heart if you suffer from vertigo.

It is worth a look however if you want to see how some of the richest residents in Monaco live.

22. Watch a match at Louis II Stadium

Monaco may not seem big enough to have its own sports venue but it does in the form of the Louis II Stadium.

The arena dates from 1939 and is the host of the two Monaco football teams.

It also sees international football matches and if you are in town when one of the teams is playing then this is a great experience to see some of Monaco’s sporting prowess in action.

23. Walk around the Old Town

The Old Town of Monaco is essentially centered on ‘Le Rocher’ which means ‘The Rock’ and is a labyrinth of charming little alleyways that date from the middle ages.

Here you will find a huge range of the best attractions in Monaco but also one of the nicest things to do here is to wander around and visit anything that catches your eye like small boutiques and cafes.

24. Enjoy some upscale dining

As well as its wealth Monaco is also known for its fine dining which is understandable given the clientele.

Some of the most expensive yet delicious food in the world can be found here and some of Monaco’s famous restaurants include the Le Louis XV Restaurant (a three Michelin starred venue) as well as the Joel Robuchon Monte Carlo which has two Michelin stars.

There are several other restaurants that have one Michelin star and if you want to splurge on a decadent meal then this is certainly the place to do it.

25. Walk around Fontvieille Park

Fontvieille Park eventually leads to the Princess Grace Memorial Rose garden, although it is worth a visit in its own right.

The park sits on reclaimed land and is one of the best loved green spaces in the whole of Monaco.

Here you will find pretty palm trees and olive groves and there are a number of lakes and ponds that attract the local fauna.

Ducks and swans swim in the lakes all year round and there is an elegant Sculpture Path that spans four hectares.

25 Best Things to Do in Monaco:

• Tour the Palais du Prince
• Visit the Monte Carlo Casino
• Visit the Musée Oceanographique
• Walk around Jardin Exotique
• Visit the Monaco Cathedral
• Sunbathe at Larvotto Beach
• Wander around Les Jardins Saint-Martin
• Watch a race at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix
• Have a drink at Quay Jean Charles Rey
• Watch a show at the Opera de Monte Carlo
• Visit the Monaco Naval Museum
• Tour Monaco Harbor
• Do some shopping
• Visit the Nouveau Musee National de Monaco
• Wander around the Princess Grace Rose Garden
• Visit Casino Square
• Admire the Collection de Voitures Anciennes
• Explore the Jardin Japonais
• Admire the Musee de la Chapelle de la Visitation
• Watch a performance at Fort Antoine
• Discover the Moneghetti District
• Watch a match at Louis II Stadium
• Walk around the Old Town
• Enjoy some upscale dining
• Walk around Fontvieille Park

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7 Reasons to visit Monaco

Ahh, Monaco. A name that whispers a world of glamour, hedonism and beauty. It speaks of mornings spent zipping to secret coves aboard a yacht, afternoons whiled away beneath swaying palm trees and sunset cocktails enjoyed alongside a lapping Mediterranean. Best of all? It’s less than three hours from London, and a shrewd booking with British Airways Holidays’ customer promise , which includes full ATOL protection alongside other flexibility clauses. And now, when you book with British Airways Holidays, customers can have a smart arrival with this exclusive Passport to Monte-Carlo offer: a complimentary helicopter transfer and entrance to museums and attractions in the principality of Monaco.

Life in Monaco is a languid affair; every scene seemingly shot through the lens of Slim Aarons. It’s little wonder that Grace Kelly fell under the spell of the world’s second smallest country, a sun-kissed stretch of coastline sandwiched between France and Italy, and its charismatic sovereign, Prince Rainier III, in the 1950s. With its opulent palace, exotic gardens, splendid Belle Epoque architecture and legendary Grand Prix, the statelet was worthy of the silver-screen starlet. Just as Kelly’s elegance came to personify Monaco, so the endeavours of her son and reigning sovereign, HSH Prince Albert II, are defining a new era. The eco-inclined prince is cultivating a Monaco that’s as green as it is glamorous, encouraging sustainable living in many forms, from roof-top gardens and beehives to electric superyachts. With progressive forces in motion, an illustrious heritage to discover and glorious weather to relish, here are seven reasons to visit Monaco.

• To explore its dynastic past

To cut a long story short, Monaco became the domain of the House of Grimaldi in 1297, a dynasty that has largely maintained independence ever since. The Grimaldi family adopted a Genoese fortress set on the Rocher de Monaco as their stronghold, developing it over the centuries into a lavish Prince’s Palace, with Carrara marble floors, flamboyant frescoes, towering Murano chandeliers and an eye-popping art collection. When you visit (for you must), arrive no later than 11.50am to catch the changing of the guard at 11.55am. Not that you’d guess it from the palace but the Grimaldis were running low on funds come the mid-19th century and rolled the dice with the audacious launch of a casino. The gamble paid off: set in a flamboyant Belle Epoque building, the Casino de Monte-Carlo sealed Monaco’s position as one of the world’s most legendary destinations.

The Grimaldi dynasty includes a number of rulers who wrote important pages in the principality’s history. Charles III founded Monte-Carlo and paved the way for the country’s future prosperity; Albert I, an explorer scientist and reformer, devoted most of his life to the study of the seas and oceans; and Rainier III became known as the builder prince – it was during his reign that the principality acquired its modern look and reclaimed the Fontvieille district from the sea.

• To experience its unique culture

True Monégasques represent a minority in their homeland yet with the most cosmopolitan population in the world, the micro-state has a strong cultural identity that blends linguistic, cultural and culinary influences from neighbouring France and Italy. This is reflected in the festivals (notably parade-abundant National Day on 19 November), food and architecture, the latter negotiating Monaco’s steep, rocky hills and narrow coastline using local stone and terracotta, alongside more modern high-rise buildings.

Make like a local by enjoying a morning stroll in the zen-inducing Japanese Garden, with bridges set across ponds, lanterns and a traditional tea house; stock up on artisanal souvenirs in the city’s old town (don’t miss La Chocolaterie de Monaco’s chocolate truffles and loose tea); and after a thrilling performance by the Monte-Carlo Ballet in the Salle Garnier, head to the Casino’s Bar Salle Blanche, where you can sip Negronis among Europe’s beau monde, chandeliers and sparkling mosaics. As Monégasques will proudly tell you, Monaco also has a peerless history of safety, born out of a century spent protecting Europe’s high-flyers, which has been extended in recent times to cover the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors in its rarefied bubble.

• For its evolving architecture

Spanning less than a square mile, Monaco is smaller than London’s Soho yet packs a mighty architectural punch. The varied building styles run the gamut from the Prince’s Palace, a Genoese fortress dating from 1191, and the Roman-Byzantine Saint Nicholas Cathedral to Belle Epoque glories such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Hôtel de Paris, with contemporary additions from acclaimed architects including Norman Foster and Renzo Piano. Marvel at the jewel-box magnificence of the Salle Garnier opera house, take tea beneath the mesmerising glass dome created by Gustave Eiffel for the Hôtel Hermitage, and admire the towering Musée Océanographique de Monaco, seemingly a natural extension of the waves that crash at its feet.

• To stay in legendary hotels and spas

Monaco’s Hôtel de Paris is the stuff of hotel legend, long graced by stars such as Charlie Chaplin and Rita Hayworth, and host to many historical banquets and parties, including Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly’s wedding breakfast. A night in the hotel’s two-storey Princess Grace suite, with a private infinity pool, is as lavish as it is expensive. The Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo , with its Lagerfeld-designed rooftop pool and restaurant, Givenchy spa and pillared interiors, also warrants a place in the principality’s top-rung hotels. For a slightly more affordable option (by Monaco’s standards), head for the quirky, Brit-influenced Columbus Monte-Carlo , whose proximity to the Princess Grace Rose Garden makes for fragrant mornings. And you can’t beat the Thermes Marins de Monte-Carlo for sea-view spa indulgence. It’s located between, and linked to, the Hôtel de Paris and its sister property, Hôtel Hermitage , so bring your best swimsuit or trunks to look the part.

• To sample the dynamic food scene

World-renowned French-born chef Alain Ducasse officially became a Monégasque in 2008 after spending several decades at the helm of the Hôtel de Paris’s kitchen. Ducasse is justly proud of his adopted nation’s food scene, whether he’s sampling artisanal ravioli in the Condamine market or exquisite concoctions served in Monaco’s Michelin-star restaurants. The latter range from Ducasse’s own three-star Le Louis XV and one-Star Restaurant La Table d’Antonio Salvatore at Rampoldi to Elsa, the world’s first all-organic restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star. But don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy simpler dishes such as fresh octopus at the harbour-front U Luvassu, herbed socca (chickpea pancakes) at Chez Roger’s market stall and calamari served with palace views at Le Castelroc. Platters of local cheese and pizza at low-key suntrap, Brasserie de Monaco on Port Hercule, are best enjoyed with its beer, brewed on-site, and while oysters may not qualify as simple, Fontvieille’s Les Perles de Monte-Carlo’s are as rustic as they come, washed down with a glass of organic wine.

• For its world-class boutiques

Many retail connoisseurs usher in each fashion season with a visit to Monaco’s glittering One Monte-Carlo district, where Chanel, Prada and Balenciaga sit. Pick up designer classics from Valentino, Stella McCartney and Jacquemus at the chichi three-storey McMarket or head to the hip LULL Boutique for a curation of harder-to-find pieces including Maison Noir coats, Borsalino fedoras and vintage Levi’s. For all the design spectacle, the heart and soul of Monaco is found at the Condamine market where, beneath red and yellow parasols that billow in the sea breeze, you’ll discover local cheeses, fruits, seafood and delicacies such as barbagiuan (a fritter stuffed with ingredients including Swiss chard and ricotta), pissaladière (a thick-dough pizza originating from Liguria topped with caramelised onions, black olives and anchovies), and more socca .

7. To learn from its increasingly green ethos

HSH Prince Albert II launched his eponymous foundation to help protect the environment and promote sustainable development in 2006 following a trip to the Arctic in his great- great-grandfather’s footsteps. Struck by the extent of glacial retreat in the century between their visits, the sovereign committed himself to encouraging sustainable living in Monaco and far beyond. The state’s substantial effort to make transport greener is evidenced in its hybrid and fully-electric public transport system including e-bikes (Monabikes), as well as a series of free electric charging points and grants offered to citizens for electric cars. New buildings need to meet strict environmental regulations, local hotels grow vegetables, herbs and edible flowers in organic rooftop gardens and at the base of the Odéon skyscraper there's a huge urban plot with beehives and chickens to provide honey and eggs. Even Monaco’s boutique distillery, L’Orangerie (which offers private tours), crafts its delicious citrus liqueur from bitter oranges picked from trees lining the city’s boulevards, which historically went to waste.

Find your perfect Monaco holiday at ba.com/monaco

Plan a holiday with British Airways Holidays and book with confidence. Make the most of low £60pp deposits and flexible payments and a 24-hour holiday helpline. All British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected, including 23kg of checked baggage per person and our Customer Promise gives you peace of mind when booking your holiday.

Return helicopter transfers operated by Monacair are available from Nice Airport to Monaco for stays between Monday 18 October 2021 to Thursday 30 December 2021. A one-way helicopter transfer is also available upon arrival when you travel between Saturday 1 January 2022 to Thursday 31 March 2022 for a minimum two-night stay. Book your trip to Monaco – complete with helicopter arrival – with  British Airways Holidays.  Subject to availability.

One Day in Monaco Itinerary – Top things to do in Monaco

Ah, Monaco. A city-state of yachts, Formula 1, and James Bond. This is Europe’s haven for the rich, but at the same time a very popular destination for tourists. So if your travels bring you here, you will most certainly have a lot to see and enjoy. True, the place is a tad expensive, but if you’re spending only one day in Monaco, this can easily be managed and mitigated. Just relax and soak everything in because you will be visiting a very special place, indeed.

What’s the best time to visit Monaco?

Monaco is located on the French Riviera, so the climate can’t really get much better than that. Therefore, you can easily visit it all year round. However, do keep in mind that it can get quite hot during summer and that summer is the peak tourist season around here. Therefore, the best time to visit Monaco may be spring – it’s not that hot, and there is less rain than in fall.

Monaco is also host to numerous globally recognized events. Sports fans probably immediately think of the famous Monaco Grand Prix, a Formula 1 race that has been held since 1929 and is one of the most prestigious races in the world. You can also visit the International Monte Carlo Circus Festival in February, the Monaco Yacht Show in September, or the Monte Carlo Summer Festival. There is always something going on here!

A few facts about Monaco

Monaco is what is known as a microstate – it has less than 40,000 residents, and only about a quarter of them are actually of Monégasque nationality. In fact, when it comes to sovereign states, only Vatican City is smaller: Monaco only covers two square kilometers. The currency used in Monaco is the euro even though the country is not formally a part of the European Union.

Unsurprisingly, this country has the lowest poverty rate in the world. This might have something to do with the fact that they have the highest GDP on the planet and the highest percentage of millionaires and billionaires.

The reason why rich people flock here – Monaco charges absolutely no income tax and has never done so.

Politically speaking, Monaco is a monarchy, and its current head is Prince Albert II.

One Day in Monaco Itinerary

So, here we are, in what is probably the richest place on Earth. One day in Monaco promises to be full of jaw-dropping sights, so plan your time carefully to get a full sense of this unique destination. With this itinerary, you will get to see the best sights and spend a perfect day on the French Riviera. Let’s go!

Upon arriving in Monaco, the one thing that many people want to do is head to the famous Monte Carlo Casino . You can tour the casino starting from 10 AM, whereas the games can be played from early afternoon. So, if you’re not planning on playing and just want to have a look around, it’s best to do this first on your one day in Monaco.

Enjoy a breakfast with a view

To start your one day in Monte Carlo, it’s best to take it easy with a nice breakfast. Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is a perfect place for that, not just because it fits into this itinerary impeccably.

Enjoy the Mediterranean sun along with a delicious meal and a cup of coffee and soak in the majestic surroundings of this place. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you see a celebrity or two – many famous people love to stop by!

Hop over to Casino Monte Carlo

Right next door is the famous Casino Monte Carlo, so you will be able to start sightseeing right after breakfast. Keep in mind that the tours start at 10 AM (up until 1 PM), while the casino is not actually open yet and is getting ready for another day of excitement. Still, you are more than welcome to go inside and take a look.

The interior is nothing short of stunning, while the building was built back in 1863. There is an Opera Hall inside that mimics the one in Paris, and all the gambling rooms are jaw- droppingly beautiful. No wonder James Bond is a frequent guest of this place in his movies. Should you want to play in the casino on top of touring it, note that the place opens for players at 2 PM.

Take a walk to the Oceanographic Museum

Once you’re done with the casino, take a stroll to the Oceanographic Museum. The best route is through Monaco Ville, i.e. the Old Town. Lovely narrow streets and loads of shops make this trip well worth it, plus you can stop and see the town hall and the National Council building.

Once you enter the museum, you will see why many consider it to be one of the best such museums in Europe. The aquarium has more than 6000 species, including various sharks, turtles, and many, many more. It is interesting to know that the museum was founded in 1910 as a place for Prince Albert I to drop off things from his various expeditions.

Sit down for an amazing lunch

After all this sightseeing, you must be pretty hungry, so it’s time to find a place for lunch. Fortunately, a place like Monaco has plenty of amazing choices!

La Note Bleue is an excellent example – located on a beach, this restaurant provides a beautiful setting for your meal as well as excellent food. Oh, and the prices are pretty reasonable for Monaco.

MayaBay is a great choice for those of you who love Thai food, whereas Bella Vita serves delicious Italian classics, including pizzas and pasta.

French and Italian cuisine dominate and permeate Monaco’s food scene, so you are by no means limited in your search for a good meal. Feel free to explore, you won’t be disappointed!

Take a look at Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Go back to the Old Town once you’re done with your lunch and find Saint Nicholas Cathedral. This beautiful piece of architecture was built in 1875 and houses the tombs of deceased princes, and actress Grace Kelly has also been laid to rest here, seeing how she married Prince Rainier and thus became the Princess of Monaco.

On top of that, the cathedral has an altarpiece from the beginning of the 16th century on top of some other beautiful details. Seeing how entering the cathedral is free, it would be a shame to miss out on this opportunity.

Relax on Larvotto Beach

After a whole day of sightseeing, there’s nothing better than relaxing on a beautiful Mediterranean beach, and Larvotto Beach is just the thing! This wonderful strip of white sand and pebbles is surrounded by various shops and eateries, so you have plenty of options on how to spend your time here.

Don’t be afraid to jump straight in (unless you had something to eat, that is) because the water is crystal-clear and perfect for a swim. Best of all, this is a completely public beach, so everyone can enjoy it. You can hop on a bus, take a taxi, or simply take a stroll to get here.

Plan your night out

Going out in the evening in Monaco is a very special experience. After all, this is where the jet set from all over the world can be seen. So, expect to find some fancy (and expensive) places, many of which will have a dress code.

Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo comes highly recommended, and the same can be said for La Rascasse. They both offer great food and drinks, with excellent DJs taking care of the music.

Jimmy Z’s deserves to be mentioned too, since it’s been around for more than 50 years and has become probably the most iconic club in Monaco. Many celebrities can often be found here, so consider yourself lucky if you manage to get in.

Of course, one can always go and play in the illustrious Monte-Carlo Casino if money is not a problem, but Bar Amércain is also a fantastic evening venue. Looking like something from the Roaring Twenties, this bar oozes class, and the interior and the live jazz music really create a remarkable experience.

Where to stay in Monaco?

Le Méridien Beach Plaza

22 Avenue Princesse Grace, MC 98000 Monte Carlo, Monaco

Seek out Le Méridien Beach Plaza . This hotel is on the water and has numerous amenities that you will enjoy the entire time that you’re staying there. Your room could have a view of the water and you can order amazing room service.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hotel Columbu s Monte Carlo

23 Avenue Des Papalins, 98000 Monte Carlo

Hotel Columbus was recently renovated and now is a great and affordable (when compared to the competition, anyway) option for a stay in Monaco. A fantastic swimming pool with loads of greenery around it is something everyone is bound to enjoy, plus the view is great. The rooms are spacious and fairly luxurious, and the hotel restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. All in all, a great place to stay.

Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo

Place du Casino, Monte Carlo City Centre, 98000 Monte Carlo

If you really want to live it up, Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo is really hard to beat. Located in a building from mid-19h century, this hotel will captivate you with luxury and class from the moment you step foot inside it. I mean, it has its own wine cellar! Two swimming pools are also available, and the rooms feature marble bathrooms and are exquisitely decorated. Oh, and pets are allowed, too.

Hotel de France

6 Rue de la Turbie, 98000 Monte Carlo

If you’re trying to stay in Monaco without spending a pretty penny, then check into some of the hostels. Hotel de France in Monaco is an inexpensive option that is still central to many of the elements of the city. That way, you can spend more money on enjoying the area and culture and less money trying to find lodgings that come with a lot of benefits.

Day trips from Monaco

The location and size of this tiny sovereign state are perfect if you want to go on day trips from Monaco and cross the border into other countries. And there is quite a lot to see, so here’s a few suggestions that are bound to interest you.

A wonderful city on the south of France, Nice is only about half an hour away from Monaco, which makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. This is what the French Riviera is all about, and you will get to enjoy some spectacular food, art and a vibe that is modern and slightly glamorous but always inviting. One day in Nice is just what the doctor ordered!

The second largest city in France certainly has a lot to offer, and it’s really not that far from Nice. Just continue along the coast westwards and you’ll get there in about two hours. One day in Marseilles can be spent in a variety of ways, enjoying shopping, famous museums, incredible restaurants and sights, but you can also get out of town a bit to explore Provence.

But you can also head east from Monaco and cross the border into Italy. Once you do that, head to the lovely little town of San Remo. The vibe here is something amazing, with loads of colours, friendly locals and great wine wherever you turn. Also, should you be here in winter, you may want to arrange so that you can go and visit the famous San Remo Festival.

Back to the French Riviera for the last of our day trips from Monaco. Cannes is a city of art and culture, famous for its film festival. You may want to avoid that festival, though, as the prices blow up and the city is swarmed by visitors. But during the rest of the year, one day in Cannes is an absolute treat, with one of the most beautiful promenades in the country.

Extra tips for visiting Monaco

If you’re going to visit Monaco, then it’s a good idea to think about making friends. According to the experts , not only can friendships turn into something long-term and fun, but they can lead to new adventures that you’d never have otherwise.

Monaco is a one-of-a-kind place and the people who come here are instantly more interesting for having stopped by. Whether you are an individual looking for a full vacation or you’re just spending the day, there is so much to do in this city that you’ll want to keep coming back. Fortunately, people on all budgets can find something fun to do, but it’s better to come with a full wallet. All in all, as long as you like warm air, a summery breeze, and interesting people, you’ll be all set to have a great experience!

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Monaco Itinerary, feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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What To Do In Monaco For A Day: The Perfect One Day Monaco Itinerary

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: March 4, 2024

Are you wondering what to do in Monaco in one day? Here’s your ultimate Monaco day guide to seeing Monaco’s famous sights.

Visiting Monaco is a must if you are in the South of France, and even though this European principality is tiny, one day in Monaco is an unmissable experience.

See Monaco in one day, and you will discover the glitz and glamour for which this minuscule country is known. Marvel at the supercars and megayachts owned by millionaires and the fashion stores and casinos that entice the rich through their doors.

From strolling through the park, watching the changing of the Palace guards or devouring a Croque Monsieur from one of the roadside stalls to visiting landmarks like the Royal Cathedral. This historic principality has something for every visitor to enjoy.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Helpful Information About Visiting Monaco for a Day

Where is monaco located .

Visitors often ask, is Monaco in France? The answer is no. It is located along the French Riviera and flanked on three sides by France, but it is a separate country.

How do you get to Monaco?

You can easily do a day trip to Monaco from Nice by train.

The journey is straightforward and takes about 30 minutes.

Monaco is also close to Menton, one of the most beautiful towns in the South of France .

You could also book an organised Nice to Monaco day trip with a professional guide who will tell you more about the country. (See options for tours from Nice further along in this article.)

Flights from the UK are to Nice or direct to Monte Carlo Airport in Monaco and take approx two hours.

If you want to visit Monaco in style, how about a helicopter transfer from Nice – after all, this is the ultimate playground for the rich!

Is it worth going to Monaco?

If you are wondering what to do in Monaco for a day, you will be in for a pleasant surprise.

Despite being a tiny country, one of the smallest in Europe, the principality has many things to do and see. Visit the Prince’s Palace, wander in the Jardin St.Martin and look inside the Monte Carlo Casino.

Why is Monaco famous?

Monaco is most well known for its wealth. It is home to the super-rich and an annual location for the Monaco Grand Prix and Yacht Show.

Monaco is a tax haven for the people who choose to live there, known as Monégasques; however, there are high corporation tax and VAT rates to pay for businesses in Monaco.

Is Monaco expensive?

Dining can be expensive, depending on where you choose. If you intend to shop in the many boutiques in the city, then be prepared to spend a considerable amount.

If you only visit Monaco for a day, take my advice, buy lunch from the supermarket, and picnic in a spot with a view.

How many days do you need in Monaco?

The country is tiny. After all, it is the second smallest country in the world , so you can easily see Monaco in a day.

Where to stay in Monaco

Please check out my hotel recommendations below if you want to stay longer and fancy spending a night in Monaco.

As you can imagine, many 5-star Monaco hotels can be found in this millionaire’s playground. Still, places like the Hotel Columbus listed below are an alternative for those travellers on a tighter budget.

Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo – 5-star

Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo – 5-star

Port Palace – 4-star

Hotel Columbus – 3-star

Organised Day Trips to Monaco from Nice

Best things to do in monaco in one day, see the changing of the guards at the prince’s palace.

Every day at 11.55 a.m., you can make your way up to the Prince’s Palace and watch the changing of the guard.

Our ascent to the palace was on foot, but you can also take the  hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus  or the cute tourist train around Monaco.

The panoramic views during the walk were sensational, with plenty of places to take photographs of Port Hercules.

The changing of the guard ceremony is held in the Place du Palais, the square in front of the royal palace.

The palace has been the home to the country’s rulers for 700 years, and this ritual has remained the same for several centuries. See the cannons in the square dating back to the 17th century.

Prince Albert II of the Royal Family Grimaldi is Monaco’s reigning head, and the country is a principality. This means it is ruled over by a prince rather than a King or Queen.

Tours of the Prince’s Palace interior are available, although if you are on a day trip to Monaco, it will eat into your time.

Stroll Around the Old Town

Near the palace, the Old Town invites you to explore narrow alleyways and pastel-coloured buildings.

Check out the artisan galleries and gift shops and capture images of the stunning historical architecture in this part of the city.

Enjoy the views from Jardin Saint Martin

If the prices at the restaurants in Monaco make your eyes water, then take my tip: buy a flan or baguette from one of the stalls by the palace and head to the Jardin Saint Martin.

One of the best places to visit in Monaco, the garden is laid out in a series of pathways on the southwest face of the Rock of Monaco.

We found a bench overlooking Port de Fontvieille and ate lunch there. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Monaco and epitomises everything about this compact corner of Europe.

We wandered through the gardens and admired the flowers, views of the sea, and bronze sculptures scattered within the greenery.

It is a peaceful place to take a moment, read a book, and escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Step inside the Royal St Nicholas Cathedral

St Nicholas Cathedral, also known as Monaco Cathedral, is right by the Jardin Saint Martin and has beautiful architecture inside and out.

It is the final resting place of the Grimaldi Royal family, most recently Grace Kelly and King Rainier III, and was built in 1875. It stands majestically on the country’s first parish church site, which dates back to 1252.

St Nicholas Cathedral is free to enter, so a good option if you are visiting Monaco on a budget.

Admire the architecture of the Palace of Justice

Stand on the steps of the Palace of Justice for some great photos of the circular courthouse building and palm tree-lined walkway.

See the famous Jaques Cousteau Oceanographic Museum

We continued along the coastline past Monaco’s famous Oceanographic Museum . It houses aquariums and interactive exhibits and is packed with everything you want to know about the ocean.

We decided to walk back to the town, but you can also hop on the tourist bus.

Channel your inner racing driver at the Grand Prix Circuit

The Prince’s Palace watches over a statue dedicated to the five-time Grand Prix champion Juan Manuel Fangio. It sits on an intersection used during the Grand Prix when the city streets become one massive racecourse.

Watching it on the television will be even more exciting now that I’ve been here.

The main promenade winds around the harbour, which is full of luxury yachts, but when you find out the country has the most millionaires per head in Europe; you can understand why there are so many high-end yachts on display.

Spend a few Euros at the Monte Carlo Casino

The Monte Carlo casino architecture is Art-Nouveau-style, with stained glass, sculptures, and a gold and marble atrium.

Visitors can gamble in the slot machine area (minimum bet is a euro) or the private table area, which demands a higher stake. We bet on the slots for fun and came out only a few euros out of pocket.

Outside the casino, supercars line up, all trying to outdo one another. We saw the luxury brands of Rolls Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini, and half expected to come face-to-face with James Bond!

If you fancy a spin behind the wheel of a Ferrari, why not book a driving experience while in Monaco?

Final Thoughts on Taking a Trip to Monaco

Visiting Monaco for a day is great fun, and you will be able to see all the country’s main attractions without feeling rushed; however, visiting Monaco as a weekend city break will allow you that little extra time to immerse yourself in its attractions without feeling rushed.

Getting the Nice train to Monaco and enjoying a two-centred trip on the French Riviera is easy.

Please Pin for Future Travel

Are you looking for ideas on where to travel for a city break in Europe? I’ve got you covered! Here are the 18 best city break destinations in Europe.

 I would like to receive occasional updates and new travel posts.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Monday 7th of November 2022

Thank you for sharing this with us, it is very helpful.

We are going to Monaco soon after spending 12 days in Morocco.

Monday 10th of January 2022

Brilliant post! Helped alot for planning my trip

WhereAngieWanders

Thank you, Amy. I'm happy I could help.

Thursday 7th of November 2019

That cathedral looks gorgeous!

Friday 8th of November 2019

It certainly is, inside and out and is the resting place of Grace Kelly and the Monaco Royal Family.

I'm going to be honest, while I've heard of Monaco, I've never seriously considered it as a vacation destination. However, after seeing the incredible views in your pictures, I think I need to see this for myself first hand!

Hi Britt. Glad you like my photos. It is so compact you can see it in a day and you could then extend your holiday to also visit Nice on the French Riviera. It’s only 15 minutes on the train from Monaco so very easy. Check out my blog on Nice if you are interested.

Wednesday 6th of November 2019

Very informative. Will take some of your tips and places to visit when I go 👍

Glad you enjoyed the piece. It’s a lovely place to visit.

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Home > Monaco > 19 Reasons Why You Should Visit Monaco

19 Reasons Why You Should Visit Monaco

By Dymphe / January 9, 2023

There are many reasons why you should visit Monaco . If you're ever wondering if Monaco is worth visiting, I can tell you, it definitely is!

The first time I went to Monaco, the country surprised me. Monaco is very unique and there are many things to do and to see. The country is one of the most beautiful destinations I ever traveled to.

As there are so many reasons to visit Monaco, I'd recommend going there as soon as possible! Whether you want to see magnificent views, experience luxury, or go to a great museum, Monaco has it! As it's in France, it's a perfect destination to combine with other places in Europe.

Here is the list of the most important reasons why you should visit Monaco!

1. The viewpoints are amazing

One of the reasons to visit Monaco is that there are many amazing viewpoints. If you'd like to explore a magnificent place, you should definitely go to Monaco.

The view of Port de Fortvielle is one of the most beautiful things to see. This is also one of the wonderful photo spots in Monaco . It's so pretty because you see gorgeous houses and blue water.

One of the most beautiful moments to see this view is around noon. Then the water looks very blue. If you're here earlier, the water will be less blue because of the sun that's lower at that time. But the view will still be stunning!

This isn't the only wonderful view in Monaco! There are so many gorgeous places you should see in the country. The incredible views belong to the most important reasons to visit Monaco.

Furthermore, Monaco also looks gorgeous in the evening! The lights are so impressive then. All viewpoints that are beautiful during the day, are also magnificent in the evening.

So if you love beautiful views, Monaco is definitely worth visiting!

2. It's the second smallest country in the world

Monaco is a sovereign city-state. And what's very impressive about this state is that it's the second smallest country in the world! The only country that's smaller than Monaco is Vatican City.

But that's not all. It's also the country with the most citizens per square mile on earth. For these reasons, Monaco is very unique. And it's amazing to be in such a unique country.

Furthermore, as the country is so small, you can walk from one end to the other in a short amount of time. That's also one of the reasons why you should visit Monaco.

3. The sunsets are magical

The sunsets in Monaco are so beautiful! So for those who love sunsets, Monaco is definitely the place to be.

I already mentioned that there are great viewpoints in Monaco. And seeing a sunset at one of these places is definitely one of the best things to do in Monaco. It's so magical to see the sky turn orange in this country.

Moreover, not only sunsets but also sunrises are very pretty here. So if you like getting up early, I'd definitely recommend seeing one.

4. There are great beaches

Another one of the reasons why you should visit Monaco is that there are great beaches.

One of the best beaches in Monaco is Larvotto Beach . The water at the beach is very blue and swimming there is amazing.

Furthermore, you can see the wonderful buildings in Monaco from the beach! The beach is in the city which I love. Also, it’s a public beach so there’s no entrance fee. 

There are also many restaurants near the beach, making it a convenient place to go to.

So if you love beaches and you'd like to have a beach day, Monaco is great.

5. It's in the French Riviera

France surrounds Monaco. And Monaco is in the French Riviera. This means it's close to other beautiful places, which is one of the reasons why you should visit Monaco.

The French Riviera is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. For example, Nice is in the French Riviera. This is a lovely city with many amazing shops.

Besides that, you can also find Menton in the French Riviera. This is a small town that you have to see. There are wonderful colorful houses. And there are lovely beaches. Menton is a great destination in summer. But it's also nice in the other seasons, such as the winter.

From Monaco, you can get to these other places by train.

6. You can visit the casino

Monte Carlo Casino is another one of the reasons to visit Monaco. This casino is in Monaco since 1863.

It's a place where you can gamble and there's a lot of entertainment. Furthermore, it's one of the most popular places to go to in Monaco. It's very fun to see it.

A public company is the owner of the casino. The royal family that rules Monaco has a large interest in the company.

Furthermore, everyone who lives in Monaco cannot enter Monte Carlo Casino. This means that they can't gamble or work there. So the casino is there for foreigners only. This is such an interesting thing to know!

It's very fun to go inside the casino. But the outside is beautiful as well. So you should see that too.

7. You can see amazing yachts

If you'd like to see yachts, you should travel to Monaco too! Monaco has ports where you can see amazing yachts.

Besides that, the Monaco Yacht Show also takes place in the country. This is a trade show that's in Monaco every year.

During the show, many luxurious yachts come together. It's so impressive to see!

People also buy yachts during the show. It's the largest European event with yachts. The event lasts for four days and it's in Port Hercules. 

8. The streets turn into a racing track once a year

The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One race. If you love racing, this is one of the best reasons why you should visit Monaco. It is a unique event because the normal streets of the country turn into a racing track. 

Many people from all around the world go there to see it. It’s already in Monaco since 1929 and it’s a glamorous event.

The circuit is one of the hardest in Formula One. That’s because there are narrow streets in Monaco and a lot of changes in the elevation. Furthermore, there are sharp corners and there’s a tunnel. 

9. Monaco is perfect for pictures

Everyone who has a passion for photography has to go to Monaco! The country has countless amazing photo spots. That’s because of the incredible landscape and architecture. 

So take your camera with you and explore all the beautiful locations in the country. Your pictures will definitely turn out amazing!

Besides that, you can also book a photoshoot in Monaco. This is a very fun thing to do with your friends or with your partner! But it’s also a great thing to do if you want photos of yourself in a beautiful area.

10. Monaco is easy to access

The location of the country is also one of the reasons to visit Monaco. It's so easy to get there! Monaco has a train station, so you can get there by train from many parts of France. This is very convenient.

If you're already in the French Riviera, you can be there very fast. Monaco is another country, but you won't notice that if you want to get there. There is no border control which is very convenient. 

If you’re not in France and you want to go to Monaco, you can first go to Nice. You can get there by airplane. If you’re in a country in Europe, you can also get there by train or bus. From Nice, there’s a direct train to Monaco. 

11. You can experience luxury in Monaco

Monaco is one of the wealthiest places on earth. Besides that, it's also one of the most expensive countries. If you want to experience luxury, this is definitely one of the reasons to visit Monaco.

There are lots of luxurious hotels in Monaco. These hotels have wonderful rooms. Furthermore, you can also book a room with an incredible view of Monaco.

Besides that, there are also luxurious restaurants. And you can rent a yacht if you want to experience the luxurious lifestyle of Monaco.

12. It doesn't have to be expensive to spend time in Monaco

Even though you can do many luxurious things in Monaco, it doesn't have to be expensive at all to be there!

First, there are many free things to do in Monaco . For example, the Monte Carlo Casino I mentioned before has parts that are free to enter.

Also, there are free museums in the country that are great to visit.

And the beautiful viewpoints in Monaco are free as well. So there are many activities that aren't expensive at all.

Furthermore, if you're in Monaco on a budget, you can stay in a city close to Monaco. For example, there are many affordable accommodations in Nice and Menton. And these places are very close to Monaco.

So visiting Monaco on a budget is definitely possible!

13. There's a wonderful garden

Monaco has a gorgeous botanical garden. The name of the garden is Jardin Exotique de Monaco. You can find this garden on a cliffside in the country. If you love nature, this is amazing.

In the garden, you can see many lovely plants. In spring and summer, there are also beautiful flowers. It's such a beautiful place to spend some time!

14. You can learn about marine sciences here

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is an amazing museum in the country. At this museum, you can learn a lot about marine sciences.

The museum is already in Monaco since 1910, so it's there for more than a hundred years!

You can see a lot of great things in the museum. There are species of sea fauna. And besides that, there are objects related to the sea. So if you're interested in the sea, you should definitely go here. Furthermore, the building of the museum is gorgeous from the outside.

15. You can get there by helicopter

If you want to have an epic experience, you can get to Monaco by helicopter!

Every day, helicopters go to Monaco from Nice. Furthermore, you can also go to Nice from Monaco. And there are helicopters that go to and from Cannes and other places in the French Riviera.

It's definitely a very fun experience and the view from the helicopter is fantastic.

Furthermore, the helicopter can pick you up one hour before your flight from Nice departs. They also take care of your luggage!

This is one of the reasons why you should travel to Monaco if you want to do something very unique.

16. It's great for shopping

Monaco is an amazing place to travel to if you love shopping. You can find great fashion boutiques in the country. Especially if you like luxurious shops, you will love Monaco!

For example, Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo is a wonderful place to visit. The shopping center has about 80 boutiques and it looks wonderful from the inside!

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, it’s still a great experience to be there.

17. The weather is amazing

Another reason to travel to Monaco is that the weather is amazing! Monaco has a mild climate which is great.

Monaco is a great summer destination, as it's warm in summer.

Furthermore, in winter, it doesn't get very cold! This means it’s a great place to travel to if you want to escape the winter. 

18. The Rock of Monaco

In the country, you can find the Rock of Monaco. This rock is very tall, as it's 203 feet (62 meters). It's amazing to see the rock if you're interested in history.

Furthermore, you can also see the changing of the guards here. Many tourists go there to see that.

19. The architecture is amazing

It's amazing to see the architecture in the country! 

There's a lot of French influence on the architecture in the country. But you can also find Spanish and Italian influence in architecture. 

Many houses in Monaco are in the hills. This looks very unique. 

Also, most materials that people used to make the buildings have a local source. 

Furthermore, you can find buildings with beautiful colors in Monaco. 

That's it! There are so many great things about Monaco. So if you consider traveling there, you now know why Monaco is worth visiting!

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Monaco   Travel Guide

Best Times To Visit Monaco

The best time to visit Monaco is in the spring or fall, with tennis in April, the Grand Prix in May, and the Yacht Show in September. This lavish getaway loses some of its luster between November and March, but you will save money on accommodations if you visit in this cooler offseason months. Visit in the summer, and yes, the beaches will be packed, the weather will be hot, and the restaurants will have long waits – but you'll rarely spot locals as they tend to flee from peak-season crowds.

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• One Day in Monaco: The Perfect Monaco Day Trip from Nice

The French Riviera is not only an absolute must-visit location, but it’s also a great place to use as a home base while taking day trips to other nearby towns. For instance, you could easily spend one day in Monaco as a day trip from Nice, or any nearby city!

Monaco is known for being glamorous. It’s located right on the water and is its own country, separate from France, despite technically being in a location surrounded by France. It’s filled with fantastic scenery, tropical vibes, and luxury everywhere you look.

While Monaco is exceptionally tiny, it’s filled with tons to do, but you can easily dip your toes into all that it has to offer with just a day in Monaco. Here is how to have a perfect one day in Monaco!

Disclosure: *This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Table of Contents

Best Day Tours to Monaco

While it’s really easy to get from Nice to Monaco on your own, there are also plenty of day tours available if you prefer a guided experience. Some popular options include:

• From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour : This tour takes you to the best of Monaco, Monte-Carlo, and Eze in just one day. You’ll get to see the Prince’s Palace, the Grand Prix track, and even visit a perfume factory in Eze.
• From Nice: Eze, Monaco, & Monte-Carlo Half-Day Trip : If you’re short on time, this half-day trip is perfect for you. You’ll visit the medieval village of Eze and get to explore Monaco and Monte-Carlo before returning to Nice.
• From Nice: French Riviera in One Day : This tour covers all the highlights of the French Riviera, including Monaco, Nice, Cannes, Antibes, and Saint-Paul-de-Vence. It’s a great option if you want to see multiple towns in one day.

Overview of Your One Day in Monaco Itinerary

For your one day in Monaco, you’ll be hitting all of the absolute can’t-miss attractions.

These are all of the places that you can’t visit Monaco without at least seeing once, so try to take the time to check out these great attractions during your day trip to Monaco.

You’ll start the day down near the port, and then slowly begin to explore other parts of the city that it’s most well-known for, like the casino!

Breakdown of your one day in Monaco

• Getting to Monaco

Stroll around Port Hercules

• Breakfast at Eola
• Explore the Old Town of Monaco (Prince’s Palace, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Oceanographic Museum, Port de Fontvieille Viewpoint)
• Walk along the Formula 1 Track

Monte Carlo Casino

Japanese garden, sunset at tête de chien.

• Getting back to Nice (or wherever you’re staying)

Map for your Monaco itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this one day in Monaco itinerary.

I marked all the attractions with red and I also marked some important bus stations, train stations, and car parks with green that can come in handy for your Monaco day trip from Nice. As a bonus for Formula 1 lovers, I also marked the whole F1 track with blue on the map!

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

How to Spend One Day in Monaco

Start your day bright and early by heading down to Port Hercules and taking in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. Port Hercules is the main port in Monaco that has been used for thousands of years.

However, the version of it that stands today was completely redone in the early 20th century. It’s so big that it can hold around 700 different boats if it wanted to!

If you opted for taking the train for your one day in Monaco trip, then you will need to walk around 15 minutes to reach Port Hercules from the train station.

In case you decided to drive to Monaco, you can find 2 big parking lots near Port Hercules (I put both of them on the above map) where you can easily park your car.

Have breakfast at Eola

In case you didn’t have breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to treat your taste buds to some delicious food! On your way to the old town, make sure to stop by Eola , which is a 10-minute walk from Port Hercule.

Eola stands for ‘Eat Organic Live Active’, and as the name suggests, you can find all kinds of healthy dishes here like smoothie bowls, green juices, and avocado toasts.

This lovely little cafe is open from 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Saturday. Unfortunately, it’s closed on Sunday so if you’re spending your one day in Monaco on a Sunday, you will need to look for another place to have breakfast.

Explore the Old Town of Monaco

Next, head over to Monaco’s Old Town. This is arguably one of the most picturesque parts of the city which is located up on a hill and has really great views of the Mediterranean Sea.

The easiest way to get to the Old Town is to take Rampe de la Major, which starts right after the roundabout by Place d’Armes (2 minutes from Eola). Be prepared that the road is a bit steep so it’s best to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Within 10 minutes, you will reach Place du Palais, the square in front of the Prince’s Palace and you can start exploring the Old Town!

Take some time to walk along the cobblestone streets and pop into any stores or restaurants that interest you that you may come across.

Old Town is the most historical part of the city, so you’ll find some unique architecture here that you won’t find elsewhere in Monaco.

Below you can find some of the must-visit places in the Old Town that you absolutely need to check out on your one day in Monaco.

Prince’s Palace

Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm between April and mid-October Entrance fee: €10

Your Monaco day trip wouldn’t be complete without seeing where the royalty lives. The Prince’s Palace is located right next to where the Rampe de la Major ends (the road you took up to the Old Town), so you can easily make this your first stop in the Old Town.

The palace was built in the 12th century and is the home of the current prince of Monaco. If you’re lucky, you may even see the changing of the guards, which is an entertaining sight.

Because Monaco is so small and you can get reasonably close to the palace compared to royal palaces in other countries, you may even sneak a peek of the Prince of Monaco.

Although it’s a private residence, the State Apartments are open to visitors from the beginning of April until mid-October.

Inside, you can see the Palace Chapel and many majestic rooms such as the Hercule Gallery, the Throne Room, and Louise XV Bedroom, as well as numerous beautiful frescoes and old furniture.

St. Nicholas Cathedral

Opening hours:  9 am – 6 pm Entrance fee:  Free

St. Nicholas Cathedral, otherwise known as the Monaco Cathedral is one of the most important religious monuments in Monaco. The construction of the cathedral began in 1875 but it was only consecrated in 1911.

The cathedral was home to many royal events such as the wedding of Grace Kelly and Rainier III, the Prince of Monaco and now it houses the tombs of Monaco’s former princes.

The cathedral can be visited for free, which makes it one of the best places to explore if you’re visiting Monaco on a budget . If you want to go inside, make sure to dress respectfully!

Oceanographic Museum

Opening hours:  10 am – 7 pm Entrance fee:  €19

While you may not associate any type of history or museum with Monaco, you must visit this one! The Oceanographic Museum was opened in the 20th century and focuses on everything involving the ocean and marine science.

Inside the museum, you’ll find lots of aquariums, artifacts, and exhibits. Take the time to explore here because you’ll truly learn a lot. It was also founded by a relative of Monaco’s current Prince, so it has an important connection to the country itself.

Port de Fontvieille Viewpoint

Just beside the Oceanographic Museum, you can find a beautiful park called Jardins de Saint-Martin.

The park already offers some incredible views over Port de Fontvieille but if you keep walking to the end of the park, you will find one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Monaco.

I hope you didn’t forget your camera at home because this is truly one of the best views you’ll see during your one day in Monaco!

Walk along the Formula 1 Track

If you’ve finished exploring the Old Town, it’s time to move to the other side of the city. It’s going to be a long walk but on the way to Monte Carlo Casino, you can do a very unique thing that you can only do in Monaco: walking along the Formula 1 Track!

Because Monaco is known worldwide for hosting the Grand Prix, you absolutely must find part of the race track route and walk along it. It’s incredibly cool to think that Formula 1 racing happens here.

To help you plan your route, I marked the entire track with blue on the map I shared above (in the one day in Monaco itinerary overview section).

It takes around 25-30 minutes to get to Monte Carlo Casino from the Old Town on foot.

Alternatively, you can walk back on the Rampe de la Major to Place d’Armes where you can catch bus line nr. 607 or 608.

The bus will drop you off 300 meters (almost 1 mile) from the casino but sadly this way you will miss walking along the F1 track.

Your one day in Monaco itinerary wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous Monte Carlo Casino. Fun fact: locals aren’t allowed to gamble in the casino, it’s considered to be illegal! Instead, the casino is entirely for visitors to Monaco.

The Monte Carlo Casino is said to be the most popular casino in the entire world. This is most likely because it’s featured in quite a few of the James Bond films, among other pop culture phenomena.

The casino dates back to the 19th century and is absolutely breathtaking on the inside and the outside. One thing to keep in mind when visiting the Monte Carlo Casino is that you do have to be dressed nicely.

This doesn’t mean you need to wear your finest dress or tuxedo, but I wouldn’t suggest trying to enter wearing your favorite leggings and flip-flops.

If you still have some time left in the afternoon, check out a fun zen area in Monaco, the Japanese Garden. This park is near Monaco’s convention center (only a 10-minute walk from the casino) and is often used as a place for meditation and relaxation.

Stroll throughout the garden and take in the luscious greenery throughout. You’ll find that there’s a mix of both Japanese architecture and Mediterranean plant life, which makes for a really unique and uncharacteristic pairing that you’ll only find in Monaco.

Last but not least, head over to one of my favorite viewpoints to see the sunset over Monaco: Tête de Chien!

Unfortunately, this viewpoint is only accessible by car so if you opted to take the train or a bus for your Monaco day trip from Nice, sadly you will have to skip this point.

It takes around 25 minutes to reach the parking lot near the viewpoint from Monaco. Just put Tête de Chien in your Google Maps and you will easily get there!

From the parking lot, you need to do a short but relatively steep hike and in 10-15 minutes you will reach the viewpoint.

From this viewpoint, you will get an incredible panoramic view over the entire coastline and Monaco. Just be careful on the rocks and don’t go too close to the edge. Can you imagine a better way to end your one day in Monaco?

Useful Info for Visiting Monaco in a Day

Where to stay in monaco.

If you want to extend your trip and spend more than one day in Monaco, there are plenty of accommodation options available.

However, keep in mind that Monaco is known for its luxury and expensive prices, so be prepared to splurge a little on your hotel (even on a budget option).

Here are our top hotel recommendations for different budgets:

• Luxury | Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo
• Mid-range | Fairmont Monte Carlo
• Budget | Novotel Monte-Carlo

How to get to Monaco from Nice

Train | The easiest option is to take a speed train from Nice to Monaco. There are frequent departures throughout the day, and the journey only takes about 20 minutes. The train station in Monaco is located just a short walk from the city center.

Bus | Another option is to take a bus from Nice to Monaco. Due to current works, bus nr. 100 that used to run between Nice and Monaco is now divided into two separate routes: nr. 607 goes to Monaco, while nr. 608 goes to Menton. The journey takes around 40 minutes and the bus will drop you off at various stops throughout Monaco.

Car | If you’re planning to do a road trip in the French Riviera , you can easily drive from Nice to Monaco. The journey takes about 30 minutes via the A8 highway. Parking is quite pricy in Monaco, however, all car parks have a daily maximum rate of around €20-30, which is not that bad if you want to spend the full day in Monaco.

Guided tours | As mentioned before, there are also plenty of guided tours available from Nice to Monaco. These usually include transportation and a knowledgeable guide to show you around. This half-day trip is one of the top-rated options!

Best time to visit Monaco

High season | The peak tourist season in Monaco is from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny. This is also when accommodations and activities tend to be more expensive.

F1 Grand Prix | The Formula 1 Grand Prix race takes place in Monaco every year in May. Unless you want to attend the race, it’s best to avoid visiting during this time as the city can get extremely crowded and prices are inflated.

Shoulder seasons | May, September, and October are considered shoulder seasons in Monaco. The weather is still pleasant, but there are fewer tourists, making it a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and save some money.

Low season | The low season in Monaco is from November to April. It may be a bit colder and rainier, but if you don’t mind the weather, this can be a great time to visit as accommodations and activities are significantly cheaper.

How to get around in Monaco

By foot | Monaco is a small city-state, so the easiest way to get around on your one day in Monaco is just by walking. It takes less than one hour to walk across the entire width of Monaco, and it’s a great way to see all the sights.

Public transportation | You can also take buses within Monaco if you don’t feel like walking. The buses are convenient and relatively inexpensive, but be aware that they can get crowded during peak tourist season.

Driving | While getting to Monaco by car is convenient, I would recommend leaving your car parked and exploring the city on foot or by public transportation.

Planning a trip to the French Riviera?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about the French Riviera. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• The Ultimate 10 Day French Riviera Road Trip Itinerary
• One Day in Nice Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal
• Top 13 Best Day Trips from Nice, France
• 17 Amazing Apartment Rentals and Airbnbs in Nice, France

Other Amazing Destinations in France: Alsace | Paris | Provence

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4 thoughts on “One Day in Monaco: The Perfect Monaco Day Trip from Nice”

Hi! Is it possible to do Monaco and Menton in one day? If I was to follow your Monaco guide above excluding the Japanese garden and sunset. Thanks

Yes definitely! You’ll have to speed things up a little bit but since they are really close it’s totally possible.

Absolutely stunning with so much details. Very well put together. After reading this, you need nothing else. Thanks for this guide, very helpful.

I’m so happy you found it helpful!

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Top 16 Things To Know Before Going To Monaco

Despite being the world's second-smallest country, Monaco has a lot to offer. Here are things to know before visiting.

Read update

Everything You Should Know About Visiting Monaco

• Key takeaways:
• Monaco's lack of personal income tax attracts high-net-worth individuals, making it a haven for the wealthy.
• Monaco has an excellent public transport system, including buses and a scenic railway, making it easy to navigate.
• Gambling is a big part of Monaco's allure, with the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo being a must-visit attraction.

Playground to the rich and famous, Monaco is enigmatic to many foreigners and reportedly the world's richest country . Appearing as a sea of casinos, five-star resorts, and expensive yachts, the microstate seems almost like a theme park based on all things opulent and lavish. It certainly seems too extravagant for mere mortals to visit.

Even though a sizeable chunk of the local population is made of millionaires, one doesn’t have to be extremely wealthy or famous to visit Monaco . Anybody can go and have a total ball - they just have to know a few travel tips before you go! Keep reading to find out what they are.

UPDATE: 2023/10/15 21:31 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

One can never know so much about a place before visiting. Despite its small size, Monaco is a unique place, so this list has been updated to include more things about the microstate.

16 RELATED: Why La Rochelle On The West Coast Of France Should Be On Everyone's Holiday List No Income Tax

Monaco's most distinctive feature is its lack of personal income tax. This fiscal policy has attracted individuals seeking tax advantages, making it a haven for high-net-worth individuals. Residents of Monaco enjoy the benefits of retaining a more significant portion of their income.

This unique tax status, luxurious lifestyle, and picturesque setting make Monaco an enticing destination for those seeking financial advantages without compromising on quality of life. However, it's important to note that the absence of income tax is just one facet of Monaco's broader tax and financial regulations, which may vary depending on individual circumstances.

• The average annual income of Monaco's residents is $186,080

15 Excellent Public Transport

Travelers don't need to worry about spending a lot on taxis when in Monaco, as it has an excellent transport system that is efficient and well-connected. Locals and tourists can rely on buses and a scenic railway.

The buses cover the entire principality, making it easy to navigate the compact city-state. The railway connects Monaco with neighboring French towns, providing picturesque views of the Mediterranean coastline.

The city's small size allows walking between many attractions. While taxis are readily available, well-planned public transport offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative.

14 Yes, You Can Gamble

This is the first thing that everyone wants to know about Monaco. Because gambling is illegal in so many countries, Monaco can seem like a totally different world. The Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of the most famous in the world and is worth visiting even if you don’t want to gamble at all. Remember, this is the very same casino that James Bond often visits!

While it’s not mandatory that you gamble, there will be a lot of wealthy people at this casino who will expect you to either join in or get out of the way.

• Where to Go: Casino de Monte-Carlo, Casino Café de Paris , Place du Casino

Related: 20 Locations The James Bond Movies Were Filmed (That Are Stunning Vacation Spots)

13 Tipping Is Not Mandatory

In a luxurious destination like Monaco, you would think that tipping would be not only compulsory but at an all-time high rate. But in reality, tipping isn’t mandatory in Monaco. Servers and staff tend to be very relaxed, and in most cases, it will be up to you as to whether or not you would like to leave a tip . Remember that hotel service (and most service charges) will already be included in your final bill.

If one wants to leave a tip for exceptional service, around 10 percent is considered to be appropriate. But there won’t be hard feelings if they don’t!

12 Stay Away During The Grand Prix

It’s one thing to specifically visit Monaco so you can attend the Grand Prix. But it’s another to unwittingly plan your vacation at the same time as this famous race is on, not realizing that everything is a hundred times more hectic in Monaco during the Grand Prix.

Many of the main streets will be closed off during the race. Not only that, but there will be far bigger crowds to contend with, and the whole place will seem much more confusing. You’re better off visiting outside the month of May when the race normally takes place.

• Grand Prix 2024: Thu 23 May - Sun 26 May

11 Be Prepared To Pay A Lot

One of the most important things to know about Monaco is that it’s not the sort of destination you go to if you’re looking to save money. There are plenty of locations around the world that are cheap as chips, but Monaco isn’t one of them . Around 32 percent of the local population are millionaires. Just let that sink in. Monaco is expensive to visit .

Most hotels and restaurants will charge much more than one is probably used to pay, even by European standards. There are free things to do in the country, but in general, one should be prepared for some large bills.

10 It’s Really Small But Heavily Populated

Before traveling to Monaco, it’s a good idea to become familiar with how big the country actually is: Only two square kilometers. To put it into perspective, there is only one country in the whole world that is smaller than Monaco, and that’s Vatican City which is contained within Rome .

Even though Monaco is super small, it is the world’s most densely populated country, with a total population size of around 37,800. Add on the flocks of tourists, and it can get crowded. Avoid traveling in the summer months and in May during the Grand Prix if you prefer fewer crowds.

• Monaco population: 36,686

Related: World's Tiniest Cities: These Are The Smallest Cities In The World

9 You’ll Be Walking Everywhere

Given that Monaco is such a small country, it should come as no surprise that the most common way to get around is to walk . This isn’t as easy as it sounds since the landscape is quite hilly. But still, other than catching the city bus or a boat, it’s often the only option you’ll have. There are taxis, but they tend to charge incredibly steep prices.

The city bus can be a cost-effective way of getting around that doesn’t challenge your body so much. But if the weather permits, walking will allow people to properly absorb the wonderful surrounding scenery.

8 Visit During The Warmer Months

Although you might want to stay away between June and August if you don’t like crowds, the warmer months are the best time to visit Monaco. That’s why it’s so popular, then! And with its beaches and resorts, Monaco does tend to be a typical summer vacation. If you travel to Monaco in the winter, be prepared for cold temperatures.

To avoid the cold and crowds, the best option is to visit in early May before the Grand Prix or in September and October, when the weather is still balmy.

7 There’s A Dress Code

Monaco is in the Mediterranean, so you’ll find that many locals have that relaxed Mediterranean attitude toward life. But at the same time, it’s one of the most prestigious places you can visit. According to Going Somewhere Soon , there is a dress code to abide by. The main thing to remember is that you can’t wear beach clothes around the town, even if you’ve just visited the beach.

Classier establishments will also have specific rules about what one can wear, so it’s always better to check before you go. Generally, make sure you’re not barefoot and are at least wearing a shirt! It's good to remember that other countries also have strict dressing codes .

6 Understand That Monaco Is Not France

A lot of travelers get confused between Monaco and France. It’s easy to assume that Monaco is just another region of France, considering the close proximity between France and Monaco. There’s also the fact that the majority of people speak French. But if you want to leave the best impression on the locals, don’t make the mistake of saying (out loud) that Monaco is part of France.

Monaco is an entirely separate country. It has its own language (although French is widely spoken), and locals may be a little miffed to hear that you don’t recognize their country as an individual territory.

5 Bring Your ID With You

As a rule of thumb, bring your identification with you when you’re out and about in Monaco. This can be a driver’s license or a passport. The main reason for this is that different rules apply to locals and foreigners in Monaco. The most well-known is that foreigners are allowed to gamble, but locals aren’t . They aren’t even allowed to set foot in the casinos.

So if travelers can’t produce an ID to show that they’re not a local, they probably won’t be allowed in the casino. And for many people, this is the major highlight of traveling to Monaco!

4 Monaco On A Budget Isn't Impossible

Admittedly, Monaco isn't the easiest place to be thrifty with money. That said, it's not impossible to go to Monaco on a reasonable budget. Visitors who can look past the grandeur of luxury five-star hotels will find that there are budget hotels and even hostels scattered around the city-state.

Because Monaco is walkable, commuting costs are next to none. Plus, Monaco may have extravagant restaurants that dish out flavors of the rich, but it also has plenty of food markets that serve freshly caught seafood on the cheap every day of the week.

• Travelers can expect to spend approximately €211 ($221) per day when in Monaco .

Related: Western Europe On A Budget: 10 Tips For Saving Money As A Broke Backpacker

3 Driving Isn't The Best Idea

Tempted to take your own sports car out for a spin after watching Lamborghinis and Ferraris zip away on the streets of Monaco? Think again! Although luxury sports cars are easily available for rent -- as are other non-sports cars -- driving in Monaco is not as flashy as it may seem.

The small city-state can easily get congested, and its many tunnels and overpasses can make driving in Monaco an extremely tight and anxiety-inducing experience.

Street parking is practically non-existent, so unless you plan to center your Monaco adventures exclusively around places that offer valet parking, driving is probably not the best idea.

2 There's Much To Do Besides Gamble In The Casinos

Casinos may be the highlight of Monaco, but it's not the only thing that's worth checking out. Monaco is also the land of museums, breezy gardens, and marvelous architecture. The Oceanographic Museum, for example, is over 100 years old and has one of the world's oldest aquariums overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Nearly a fifth of Monaco is occupied by lush gardens and parks. Plus, the cathedrals and chapels of Monaco are proof that opulent architecture isn't just limited to luxury hotels; it's everywhere in Monaco.

1 Can't Find A Flight To Monaco? That's Because There Is No Airport

Monaco is one of only five countries in the world to not have an airport which makes sense considering how small the city-state is. So how exactly do you get to Monaco, then? The closest airport to Monaco is the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in France, some thirty-odd kilometers away.

From there, visitors have several options. For those who can afford it, helicopter services regularly run between the Nice airport and Monaco, connecting the two in under 10 minutes. As for the rest of the common folk, trains, buses, boats, and rented cars are the way to go.

How to get from Milan to Monaco: Day Trip

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Monaco is a great place to visit if you are looking for luxury and excitement. With its beautiful scenery and fascinating history, Monaco is sure to make your vacation one to remember. In this blog post, we’ll give you all the information you need to know about getting from Milan to Monaco by train. We’ll share the different ticket options, how to get to the station, what to expect, etc. on a Milan to Monaco day trip! 

How to get from Milan to Monaco: Day trip ideas 

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Monaco is one of the smallest countries in Europe , also known as a microstate. The Principality of Monaco is surrounded on land by its neighbor France, and Italy is just 16 km (10 miles) away.

Due to its location on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco makes for an easy day trip from Nice on the French Riviera. It is the quickest way to get there (20-minute train ride – one way) and is also one of the popular routes to explore when you are on a Southern France road trip. 

But you can also visit Monaco from Milan, Italy . 

If you’re looking to travel from Milan to Monaco, the best way to do it is by train. The journey takes about 4 hours and there are several trains every day. You can buy tickets in advance online or at the station. 

Here are all the ways of getting to Monaco from Milan Italy. 

Getting to Monaco from Milan:

• By road: You will be covering a distance of 350 km (217 miles). And it will take 4+ hours to get there if you are driving
• By train: Train takes approximately 4-5 hours, and there is one change in between, before arriving in Monte Carlo, Monaco
• By bus: Buses are a cheaper option, but they take over 6 hours (one way)
• By flight : If you wish to fly, you have to get to Nice (France) from Milan and then take the train or bus to Monaco. There are a lot of day tours available as well from Nice.
• Tours : No day tours are available from Milan. But you can book a 4 day guided tour of the French Riviera from Milan which also includes Monaco
• Other day trips from Milan : Milan is also a great spot to explore places like Lake Como, Verona , and parts of the Italian Riviera on a day tour!

We decided to take the train from Milan to Monaco for a day trip. And yes it is 1000% doable. Monaco is super compact, and you can actually cover the entire country’s width by walking (and in a matter of a few hours).

Driving there for just a day will be more time-consuming and not to mention parking issues. 

When in Monaco, you can walk, use public elevators or join a 45-minute bus tour to check off the primary tourist attractions. 

To make the most of your visit we do recommend booking the earliest available train ticket, and picking the latest option (after 08:00 pm to beat the evening office rush) to return back to Italy.

Depending on the chosen route, you have to cross the French border near Menton. 

• To carry your passports at all times
• Both Italy and France are EU members and they use the Schengen Agreement for tourist visas (if you need one. US and Canadian passport holders travel visa-free, and can stay up to 90 days) 
• Monaco is not an EU member, but it has a special relationship with France for border control. Monaco is part of the EU customs territory. 

Read : How to get from Florence to San Marino , another European microstate 

Milan to Monaco by train: Step by Step guide

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to planning your train journey from Milan to Monte Carlo, Monaco

Step 1: Book train tickets from Milan to Monte Carlo

Milan is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is one of our favorite cities in Europe , and the perfect city break destination – good food, shopping, and cultural attractions. 

Milan Centrale is the central train station and this is where you will embark on your journey to Monaco. 

If you have arrived in Milan via public transportation, you won’t miss this central train station. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind about train services in Italy:

• Italy has high-speed trains that can get you around the country quickly. These trains are comfortable and efficient, but they’re also more expensive than the regular regional trains. 
• Frecciarossa trains (fastest connections to all major major Italian cities);
• Frecciargento trains (connections from Rome to other Italian cities); and
• Frecciabianca trains (the slower of all the Frecce trains). 
• If you’re traveling on a budget, regional trains are a great option (Regionale). They may not be as fast, but they’re much cheaper and you’ll get to see more of the country along the way. These train tickets need to be validated at the station.
• Train tickets can be purchased in advance, either online or at the station. We recommend booking tickets early to save money, and also to get the best schedule to make the most of your day trip.
• You can buy tickets online here –  TrainLine | Trenitalia (we have used both for Italy)

For this trip, you have to book the following tickets 

Milano Centrale Railway Station (Milan)  > Ventimiglia Railway Station (Ventimiglia) >  Monaco-Monte-Carlo station (Monte Carlo)

Your journey will look like this, Milan to Ventimiglia – travel time is 3 hours 45 minutes. And then 45 minutes to get to Monte Carlo.  

Italian InterCity trains connected us from Milan to Ventimiglia, and the final leg of the journey was operated by SNCF (a French company). It was booked on TrainLine . 

We booked our tickets just a few days before travel, and the tickets cost us 100 euros for a return trip (per person). 

Note : Monaco-Monte-Carlo Station is the only train station in the country. Book your tickets here

Step 2: Take the train from Milan to Ventimiglia   

From Milan Centrale arrive at the Ventimiglia Railway station. This is the longest leg of your day trip and here you will be changing into another train to get to Monaco. 

On this train journey, you will be crossing the Italian border to France. Menton will be seen outside the train window. 

During this leg of the trip, border control officials will be entering the train compartment and requesting your passports (for checks). 

You will arrive at Monte-Carlo station in about 45 minutes. 

Step 3: Arriving (and leaving from) Monaco-Monte-Carlo

The last stop on this trip is your final destination – Monaco Monte Carlo train station. This is the only station in the country so you know you won’t be elsewhere! 

Once you are out of the train, you can choose elevators to get out to the Casino, Exotic Gardens, or the Grand Prix area. All the primary tourist attractions of Monaco are within a quick walk away. 

Note : There is no border security, or checking of passports or stamps when you enter Monaco. You will find cafes and tourist information centers at the station to get help!

Departure from Monaco: This train station is the same route to get back to Italy, after exploring.  

Genoa to Monaco by train 

If you are planning a trip to Genoa, then you can visit Monaco from this Italian city as well. And the train ride will be shorter. 

You have the option of taking the high-speed Thello trains, which take a little over 2.50 hours to get to Monte Carlo station. Thello is a railway company that offers high-speed/ direct connections between France and Italy.

Or you can use the same train services as listed above (InterCity and SNCF), and reach Monaco slightly faster (than Milan). 

When traveling from Milan, we crossed this station as well, but there was no change in Genoa. This train selection will take about 3-4 hours (high speed will be 3 hours, and InterCity will be 4+ hours). 

Trains depart from Genoa Piazza Principe Station and they arrive at the (same) Monaco Monte Carlo station.

Things to do in Monaco in one day: Monaco day trips

Monaco is a tiny country located on the French Riviera. Although it is just 2 square kilometers in size, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. 

Monaco is known for its luxury hotels, casinos, and yachts. It is also home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Here is a detailed list of things to do in Monaco in one day

Note that Monaco has four districts, Monte Carlo, Fontvieille, La Condamine, and Monaco  Ville – the Old Town. You can easily cover all on a day trip, but most likely will spend most of your time in Old Town!

Once you arrive at Monaco-Monte Carlo Station, you can either exit to see the Casino or Jardin Exotique de Monaco. 

For the purposes of this itinerary, let’s select the casino as your starting point. 

1. Visit the Monte-Carlo Casino

The Monte-Carlo Casino is a world-famous gambling destination and has been featured in a number of films including Monte-Carlo, GoldenEye, and Bay of Angels. 

It is free to explore the Casino complex and the lobby area. Ensure you are dressed smartly for the trip. 

2. Catch a performance at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo (if interested)

Up next is the Opera House. It is connected to the Grand Casino and is adjacent to the famous Hotel de Paris.

The Opéra de Monte-Carlo is one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and has been hosting performances since 1875. 

The Monte Carlo Opera was commissioned by Prince Charles III (1818-1889), and today you can catch a performance of opera, ballet, or symphony.

3. Have brunch or lunch at the Café de Paris Monte-Carlo

The Café de Paris Monte-Carlo is an iconic café located in the Place du Casino. The café is famous for its outdoor dining area, which offers stunning views of the casino and the hustle and bustle of the complex. The food is great as well! 

When you leave the Casino complex you can walk, or go on a loop of the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus tour to get to other spots in the Old town, Fontvielle, or La Condamine. 

Head to the Old Town first to check off all the primary tourist attractions. 

4. Take a walk through Monaco’s Old Town

Monaco’s Old Town or Monaco-Ville is a lovely area to explore, with narrow streets and vibrant colors. You can stroll through the old town, stop to window shop or enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes. 

Most of the iconic photo spots in Monaco are located in this Old Town District. 

5. Visit the Prince’s Palace of Monaco

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. It is located in the old town quarter of Monaco-Ville and overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. 

The palace was built as a fortress in 1191.

Then in the 13th century, Francois Grimaldi, a member of an aristocratic family, disguised himself as a monk and was allowed shelter there. 

He later killed and captured the fortress. Since then, the palace stayed with the Grimaldi family!

You can take a tour of the palace during the summer months, which includes the State apartments, private apartments, and the Royal Chapel.

6. Watch the changing of the guard at the Prince’s Palace

The changing of the guard is a daily ceremony that takes place at the Prince’s Palace. The ceremony includes a military parade and is a popular tourist attraction. 

7. Visit Monaco Cathedral

Also known as the Saint Nicholas Cathedral, the Monaco Cathedral is located in the old town quarter of Monaco-Ville, close to the Oceanographic Museum. 

The cathedral was built in 1875 and features a Roman-Byzantine style of architecture in white marble. 

It has tombs of the royal family including Princess Grace Kelly. 

8. Visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is located in a building designed by architect Paul Delefortrie and was founded by Prince Albert I.  

The museum features a variety of exhibits on marine life, as well as an Aquarium which is home to over 4,000 fish. 

We recommend booking tickets for the museum as you will be only visiting for a day, and do not want to miss this! 

9. Shop in Monaco’s luxury boutiques

Monaco is home to a number of luxury boutiques, selling items such as designer clothing, jewelry, and watches. 

Some of the most popular shopping destinations include the Monaco One and Centre commercial de Fontvieille. 

10. Finish at the La Condamine district

La Condamine district is the main business hub of Monaco and it is home to Port Hercules. The port dates back to Greek and Roman times and is a must-visit on your day trip to Monaco.

There is where you will find the yachts of the rich and famous. There are many cafes and eateries near the Port of Hercules as well, where you can grab a bite to eat before returning back to Milan. 

Here are some additional things to do in Monaco

Take a stroll through the Jardin Exotique de Monaco

The Jardin Exotique de Monaco is a beautiful garden located on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The garden is home to a variety of exotic plants and flowers, as well as a cactus collection. 

Attend the Monaco Grand Prix (if you are in town for the event)

The Monaco Grand Prix is a Formula One race that takes place annually on the streets of Monaco. It is usually held in late May or early June, and tickets start around 110 euros (grandstand). 

The race is considered to be one of the most prestigious in motorsports, and tickets are hard to come by. If you are planning a visit to this event, be sure to book tickets in advance!

When you book the hop on and hop off bus tour, it takes you on the Grand Prix route!

Visit the Princes Grace Japanese Garden 

The Japanese Garden is a beautiful garden located near the Grimaldi Forum.  It was created in 1994 by Prince Rainier III. 

The garden features a number of traditional Japanese elements such as bridges, ponds, and trees. 

And access to the gardens is free. 

Additional travel tips for Monaco: Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled some of the frequently asked questions here to help plan your trip better!

Yes, you do need a passport to enter Monaco. Your passport should be valid for at least three months or 90 days beyond the period of your intended stay in Monaco. Passport holders from the US and Canada require no visa for stays of up to three months. If you have a passport from a country that requires Schengen Visa for travel in the European Union/France or Italy, then the same tourist visa applies for entering Monaco.

Yes, you can. In fact, Monaco is an easy day trip from Nice (and way closer than Milan). You can catch a train from Nice  Riquier station and arrive in Monte Carlo in about 20 minutes. Trains are operated by SNCF and their frequency is also really good!

One day in Monaco is enough to see the primary tourist attractions, namely the Old town, and the Monte Carlo district.  If you plan it well you can even add some relaxation time with shopping, hanging out at the cute, viewpoints, gardens, and more. If you are traveling from Nice (France), you will have more on your hands to explore than from Milan. But either way, you won’t miss the main sites!

Monaco is super compact and you can walk the entire width of the country in a few hours. The primary spots can be covered on a day trip, but if you wish to check off some beaches, relaxation, and have shopping time, 2 days will be great!

If you are visiting Monaco for the first time, there are a few things that you should not miss.  First, take a walk through the old city of Monaco. The streets are narrow and winding, and they are lined with shops and cafes.  Be sure to stop at the Prince’s Palace, which is the home of the ruling Grimaldi family.  Next, visit Monte Carlo Casino. If you are feeling lucky, you might want to try your hand at gambling.  Finally, take a ride on the Monaco Grand Prix circuit. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can walk, or take a sightseeing bus tour to see it all!

Is Monaco worth visiting?

Yes, definitely! Monaco is an amazing place to visit – the food is great, the weather is amazing, the people are friendly, and there is so much to see and do. 

A full day in Monaco will allow you to appreciate the principality’s history and enjoy its luxurious vibes!

Travelers to Europe usually check off primary city destinations like London , Madrid, Venice , Barcelona , Berlin , Prague , or offbeat places in Eastern Europe, European microstates are often not a priority. 

So if you have the opportunity, definitely take a trip to Monaco from either Milan or Nice! You won’t regret it.

European Microstates

• Vatican City: One day in Vatican City Itinerary
• Liechtenstein: Zurich to Liechtenstein day trip | Interesting facts about Liechtenstein
• San Marino : One day in San Marino itinerary

Pin: Milan Monaco Train Travel Guide | Travel Milan

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Nice vs Monaco: Which is Better to Visit in 2023?

Dreaming of a coastal getaway to the stunning Côte d’Azur in 2023? If so, you’ve likely considered Nice and Monaco, two of the region’s most dazzling jewels. Both cities boast breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, have a laid-back atmosphere, and have a vibrant nightlife. But if you only have time to visit one place, you may be struggling to decide: Nice vs Monaco, which is better to visit?

As someone who has enjoyed visiting both cities, I’m here to help! In this post, I’ll provide an honest comparison of Nice vs Monaco and give you all the information you need to decide which one is best for you!

Table of Contents

Pros & cons of nice, pros & cons of monaco, top 5 things to do in nice, top 5 things to do in monaco, nice vs monaco: which is better for vacation, nice vs monaco: cost of living.

• Nice vs Monaco: FAQ

Final Thoughts: Nice vs Monaco (2023)

Traveling soon here are the travel resources i use.

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Pros of Nice

Although there is an abundance of things I love about Nice, you likely don’t have all day to spend reading this, so here are my top three!

First, the beaches in Nice are ridiculously beautiful. When I first saw them, my jaw literally dropped because the waters have such an unbelievably bright turquoise color. You think it’s CGI because you just don’t see that color of the water at most beaches… well, not unless you’re traveling through Tahiti or something.

Second, the weather is simply amazing year-round. Much like San Diego , Nice is fortunate enough to experience year-round incredible weather.

This is because Nice’s location on the French Riviera and many beaches help regulate air temperatures. During the warmest month, average high temperatures reach about 80°F (27°C), while the average low temperature is only 45°F (7°C) during the coldest month of the year.

So while places like Stockholm , Oslo , and Lyon have freezing cold winters, Nice is still warm enough that you could enjoy a beach day during the winter. Similarly, it’s cool enough during the summer that you won’t be frying in the heat — flashback to summer 2019 in Paris when I was living there, and they had a record-breaking heatwave. 🥵

Finally, the atmosphere is so relaxed . Sure, you still have all the amenities of a big city like restaurants, museums, historic sites, etc., but it feels more approachable and cozy than Milan or other big cities in Europe.

And, the architecture here is unique from what you’ll find elsewhere. In Nice, you can find buildings that are painted in bright pastel colors, which adds to the undeniable charm and beauty of the city!

Cons of Nice

And while Nice is one of my favorite places in Europe, no city is perfect. There’s always something we wish we could change about a place.

For one, air conditioning is almost nonexistent …except in fancy hotels. So, if you’re planning a trip during the summer and are sensitive to heat, then you’ll likely struggle a little bit. Personally, I’ve never really found it to be an issue since it reaches 113°F (45°C) in my hometown during the summer, but people used to colder places will want to factor in the lack of AC units.

Second, staying in line with most places in Europe, shops close early or are completely closed on Sundays . Similarly, you can expect restaurants to close in the middle of the day , usually after 2 PM, and then reopen at night around 7 PM.

These cultural differences (at least for Americans) aren’t the biggest deal, but it can be hard to find a place to eat during the early afternoon. My recommendation is to just plan ahead your meals, grocery shopping, etc.

Finally, the beaches can get quite busy with tourists and locals alike , especially in the peak summer season. This means finding a spot that isn’t inches away from a stranger’s body may be difficult if you don’t arrive early enough.

Again, these aren’t huge issues for me, but something to be aware of and that I would change if I could.

Pros of Monaco

Alrighty, now it’s time to talk about what there is to love about Monaco!

The most obvious pro of visiting Monaco is that the views are spectacular . From its picturesque harbor filled with lavish yachts to the sleek skyscraper buildings dotting the hillside, Monaco offers a new view of the French Riviera.

Next, Monaco is known for its luxurious lifestyle and ridiculously wealthy residents. As such, spending some time in Monaco allows you a sneak peek into the opulent lifestyle of the elite , at least for a fleeting moment… because we can all dream right???

Finally, despite having a reputation for catering to those with money to burn, Monaco is still a place that any type of traveler can likely enjoy. Yes, even for my fellow budget travelers! There are all kinds of activities to do , from sightseeing tours and relaxing beaches to wandering through the Prince’s Palace and partaking in the great nightlife.

For these reasons, I’m actually a pretty big fan of Monaco and it’s up there on my list of places to visit again in Europe.

Cons of Monaco

Despite all that Monaco has to offer, there are some clear downsides.

First and foremost is the fact that it’s definitely more expensive that a lot of other places. Many of Monaco’s restaurants and hotels are quite pricey. This makes it expensive to be based out of Monaco… most people normally just day trip over from Nice since it’s quite a doable and affordable excursion.

But, as I mentioned earlier, there are some more affordable or even free things to do, which help you feel better about spending more on housing accommodations.

Similarly, some areas can be quite touristy and overpriced. I’m looking at you, Monte Carlo Casino, which charges an entrance fee to the gambling rooms. Yay for starting the ledger in debt…😔

Then, the last thing that might be a con to some people is that it’s not exactly a family-friendly destination . Of course, families with little ones travel to Monaco, but it really doesn’t have a lot of activities that cater to them. Thus, kids might get bored pretty quickly or you may run out of things to do and see since the country is so small.

For these reasons, Monaco may not be the most ideal destination for everyone.

To give you an idea of what the coastal city has to offer, here are what I believe to be the top 5 things to do in Nice, France.

1. Walk to the Top of Castle Hill

This is something that I’m fairly positive every person visiting the city does, and for good reason!

Within Nice’s Old Town is Colline du chateau or Castle Hill , which was once a military fortress during the 13th century, but now it functions as a lovely public park.

As you ascend the hill, you’ll pass several observation decks, an artificial waterfall, and even a really nice cemetery that I recommend checking out.

At the top of Castle Hill is where you’ll be able to take in the most incredible panoramic views of the city. This is where the picture that shows up on almost every Nice travel brochure is taken…including the one for this post and my other post written about Nice 😁 — guilty!

But in my defense, the view really is marvelous. In one direction, you can admire the iconic Côte d’Azur coastline, while behind you, you’ll see the surrounding hills and mountainsides!

And for a more in-depth look into the historic landmark and surrounding area, consider taking a walking tour. It’s one of the best ways to maximize your limited time in the city.

✅🚶‍♀️ Check rates and availability for this highly-rated & affordable walking tour

2. Sample the Local Food

No trip to Nice is complete without indulging in the delicious local cuisine . From savory socca, which is a delicious four-ingredient chickpea pancake, to refreshing salade niçoise — there are so many amazing dishes to try.

But the best way to take it all in is by embarking on a food and wine-tasting tour . You can easily find guided food tours throughout the city, but the one I highly recommend checking out this awesome small-group walking food tour through Nice!

⭐️  RATING : 5 out 5 – taken by 350+ guests! | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  3 hours

The  Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour includes:

• A knowledgeable local food expert
• Visiting Marche aux Fleurs Cours Saleya (local market)
• Walking around Nice’s shops and restaurants in Old Town
• Learning how to make an authentic Niçoise salad
• Tasting locally produced French wine
• 20 different food tastings
• 1 olive oil tasting
• Personalized tour with up to 10 guests

This is the perfect tour to introduce you to some of the best flavors of Provençe and Nice’s local culinary scene. You’ll get to sample all kinds of regional favorites, including a glass of locally produced French wine, as you walk around famous markets and specialty food shops. So, if you’re a foodie who loves discovering a city through their taste buds, then I highly recommend this tour.

“ This tour was absolutely amazing! Marion was a fantastic guide. We had so much good food and I loved exploring the market! Highly recommend this tour, it was one of the top highlights of my trip ! “ – Misty P. ( seE MORE REVIEWS )

✅ 🍽 Check availability for this wildly popular & delicious food and wine-tasting tour through Nice!

3. Wander Around Old Town

Whether or not you opt to do the food tour, I suggest taking some time to wander through the narrow, winding alleys of Old Town.

You’ll find a mix of colorful buildings and historic sites, as well as plenty of quaint cafes and boutique shops.

Thus, if you’re looking to buy some locally made art or products, this is the place to do it since many local artists showcase and sell their works here. Personally, I bought 3 bars of soap that ended up making the perfect gift for my loved ones back home who prefer gifts that don’t last forever 🙂

4. Spend Time at the Beach

Of course, no trip to Nice is complete without enjoying some rest and relaxation at one of the gorgeous beaches that line the coast!

And what I really appreciate is that Nice’s beaches are all centrally located. You can walk for 5 minutes from Old Town to Plage des Ponchettes, or keep walking along Promenade des Anglais and find another beach to set up at.

Just be aware that the beaches in Nice are quite rocky so it’s best to bring a thick mat and towel if you plan on lying down. Flip flops or sandals are also strongly recommended for navigating all the tiny pebbles! They may look unassuming and harmless, but let me tell you — they hurt so much to walk barefoot on! Save yourself and don’t make my mistake!

Oh! And if you feel like seeing some of the local marine life up close, you can take a little snorkeling tour. It’s not a proper guided tour, but essentially, they boat you out to a part of the Mediterranean Sea that has clearer waters. This way, you can swim around and actually see schools of fish and other sea creatures, since the water in the Bay of Angels is fairly opaque.

✅ 🐠 Check availability for this affordable 2-hour snorkeling tour.

5. Check out Place Massena

Last on this top 5 list is checking out Place Massena. It’s located in the heart of Nice and is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.

This main square of Nice is home to bright red buildings featuring Italian architecture, the striking Fontaine du Soleil, and lots of shops and restaurants.

It’s a great place to you’re to people-watch and take in the atmosphere or just stroll around as your peruse the various shops!

Alrighty, now that you have a decent overview of what Nice has to offer, let’s talk about some of the things to do in Monaco!

1. Admire the Monte-Carlo Casino

It’s no secret that the most iconic landmark, even more so than the Prince’s Palace, is the opulent Monte-Carlo Casino !

The idea of the casino was actually created as a solution for some of the bankruptcy issues that The Grimaldi family (royal family) was facing back in the 19th century. Since then, we’ve all come to know it as the place where everyone loves to gamble and try their luck at.

In addition to the classic card games and slot machines, the casino also houses the Monte Carlo Opera and hosts exclusive galas…so you can pretty much always expect something happening there.

For those interested in just walking around the front rooms, you can do so from 10 AM – 1 PM. Meanwhile, those who want to partake in some games will want to visit after 2 PM.

♠️ NOTE: You need to bring your passport or National photo ID. And as I mentioned earlier, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee… because how else would they pay out hundreds of millions of euros each year!?

2. Walk Formula 1 Track

For anyone who’s a fan of Formula 1, you’ve likely heard of the historic Monaco grand prix and the beloved Monegasque driver Charles Leclerc **One day, it will be Ferrari’s year… just not this year 🥲**

As you likely know, it’s a street circuit around Monaco, so anyone can walk it! I highly recommend checking out some key points along the circuit, such as the Fairmont hairpin curve or Tunnel Larvotto.

You’ll even find a little statue in homage to Juan Manuel Fangio near Port Hercules.

And for any super fans like myself, I recommend this awesome Formula 1 walking tour . You’ll spend a little over 2 hours walking the entire Monaco grand prix circuit, learning about the circuit’s history, past winners, notable points along the circuit, and of course, all the unforgettable crashes!

It’s really quite a treat that isn’t available for most grand prix circuits and an activity I thoroughly enjoyed. (Say hello to Tom for me if you take his awesome tour :))

🏎 Check availability for this great Monaco Formula 1 Walking Tour

3. Enjoy Panoramic View Points

Monaco is a pretty compact and mountainous country. As such, it’s fairly easy to see stunning panoramic views of the surrounding French Riviera.

Two viewpoints you won’t want to miss out on seeing and taking pictures from “ Panoramic View of Monaco ” and “ Vue panoramique sur Fontvieille .”

Both are situated on different sides of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco and offer views of different harbors! Feel free to click either link to see the location on Google Maps.

4. Visit the Musee de Oceanographique

Another popular thing to do in Monaco is paying a visit to the Musee de l’Oceanographique . It’s an aquarium and museum that was founded by Prince Albert I of Monaco in 1910 when his interest in oceanography inspired him to create this space dedicated to protecting and increasing knowledge of the ocean.

Today, the museum is open to the public with interactive exhibitions showcasing thousands of aquatic species from around the world. Some of these species include starfish, turtles, crabs, lobsters, rays, jellyfish, sharks, sea urchins, eels, and lots more.

5. See the Inside of Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Finally, be sure to take the time to visit Saint Nicholas Cathedral, an iconic Catholic church located near the Prince’s Palace.

While the exterior of this stunning building is already quite imposing and beautiful with its Romanesque architecture, its interior is quite lovely too!

Inside, you’ll find intricate statues and pieces of artwork, as well as the tombs of many members of the ruling family, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.

With its quiet peace and serenity, it’s a great place to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of Monaco! Oh, and it’s free to go inside , which can’t be said of a lot of things in Monaco. 🙃

By now, you might have an idea of which city would be better suited for you. However, if you’re still on the fence and trying to decide on Nice vs Monaco, here are some other factors to consider.

Which Has Better Nightlife?

Honestly, the nightlife scene in Nice and Monaco are pretty comparable.

In the evening, Nice is renowned for its lively atmosphere and numerous places that stay open late. For example, you’ll find everything from places with live music and cozy wine bars to chic nightclubs and pubs!

Meanwhile, Monaco is just as vibrant but offers more upscale clubs and bars with incredible views of Monaco’s harbor. Plus, when major events come to town, like the Monaco Grand Prix or Monte Carlo Masters Tennis Tournament, you can expect lots of celebrities to be partying at these places!

So for me, there isn’t really a clear winner. It depends more on your travel style and what you want out of the experience. But since everyone hates that answer, when it really comes to Nice vs Monaco, Nice is my personal preference. It’s more laid back, which fits my personality, and doesn’t do as much damage to my bank account as Monaco!

Which Is Better for Families?

As mentioned earlier, Monaco is a bit of an adult playground with its high-end restaurants and clubs, so it’s probably not the best destination for families.

That said, there are still some activities that kids can partake in, such as the Oceanography Museum and walking through the many little gardens scattered across the city. You’ll just be more limited and possibly run out of things to do faster.

On the other hand, Nice has a wide range of attractions that both kids and adults can enjoy together.

For starters, there are a couple of really awesome playgrounds that are suited for both kids and adults. I won’t lie, my friends and I had so much fun playing on them and were shamelessly screaming and laughing as we ran through the obstacle courses.

In addition to this, Nice has lots of kid-friendly beaches and more options to pick from than Monaco. And when it comes to walking around the city, it feels less chaotic. Thus, families with little kids might have an easier time navigating around and feel safer in general.

Based on this, I’d say Nice vs Monaco, Nice is definitely more family-friendly as it offers more attractions that are tailored for kids and parents alike. Plus, it’s also more budget-friendly, so you can keep costs down!

Which Is Better for Couples?

For this category, I think Nice and Monaco are about the same. Again, it comes down to travel style and what you want out of the experience.

For couples who want a relaxing time together, Nice is the better option. You can wander through Old Town, check out the different markets like Liberation Market or Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya, and travel to the top of Castle Hill for some stunning views!

Plus, there are lots of cozy cafes and restaurants to try out too, which I think Nice has the upper hand in.

Contrastingly, Monaco can be a great destination for couples looking to experience some of the finer things in life. With its luxurious shops, high-end restaurants, and world-class casinos, it’s definitely an experience that’ll take you from day to night. Plus, there are some truly stunning luxury hotels in Monaco that would be perfect for a honeymoon or romantic escape! On my most recent trip to Monaco, I may have set my bank account back a bit by opting to stay at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo … and let me say, it was worth every single penny!

If you have the budget to splurge a little, then Monaco can be a great choice for couples who want to live it up in a luxurious hotel and dance the night away. You can even do a private boat tour and discover Monaco from the water !

So, I’d say both Nice and Monaco are great destinations for a couple’s getaways. It just comes down to personal preference and travel style!

When Is It Better to Visit: Summer or Winter?

With both destinations being located on the French Riviera, it’s safe to say that they experience practically the same weather. Therefore, there’s no real comparison to be made.

Obviously, during the summer you’ll have to deal with crowds and peak travel season. But, quite frankly, the winter season isn’t much better as both Nice and Monaco host Christmas markets. Thus, you’ll find lots of tourists and locals out and about, celebrating the holiday season.

So if you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to go during the shoulder season during the months of April, May, September, or October.

But, if you’re ready to experience the magic of the European Christmas markets…because America really doesn’t do that kind of thing unfortunately, then definitely visit during the winter!

One of the most frequently asked questions on Google is, “Is Nice or Monaco Cheaper? ” And while I think most of us can guess the answer to that relatively quickly…simply knowing Monaco is more expensive than Nice is not exactly helpful.

Thus, to hopefully paint a clearer picture, here’s a Nice vs Monaco comparison/breakdown of different elements that should be considered when planning a vacation in Nice or Monaco.

Lodging in Nice

First, the average price of a one-night stay in a hotel in Nice is about $100 USD . Prices for cheaper hotels and hostels go as low as $30. Meanwhile, the fancier, more luxurious hotels and resorts cost ~$200, with the most expensive hotel coming in at ~$300 USD / night. So compared to places like Paris or Switzerland , the hotels in Nice are relatively affordable. This is because Nice has 500+ hotels available for tourists to select from, so they need to have competitive prices.

If you’re leaning towards staying in Nice or simply want to have a better gauge of hotel prices, feel free to click the hotels below. These are all hotels that I recommend checking out for your stay in Nice as they all come highly rated and are centrally located!

Low-Cost Stays

• The Deck Hotel by Happy Culture — awesome 4-star hotel near beach | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Hotel de France — highly rated, affordable 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Mid-Range Stays

• La Pérouse — 4-star hotel with pool | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
• Hotel Nice Côte D’Azur — 4-star hotel w/ terraces | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Luxury Stays

• Hotel Palais Saleya — great 4-star hotel near Castle Hill | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
• Le Negresco — famous 5-star hotel along Promenade des Anglais | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10

You can also use these buttons to go directly to your favorite booking platform and find housing yourself.

Lodging in Monaco

On the other hand, lodging in Monaco is very expensive. There are only 23 hotels available to choose from , so prices can range quite a bit… For example, the cheapest hotels cost about $130 USD / night and the most expensive hotels cost $1000+ USD. And when major events are happening in Monaco, expect these prices to triple, if not more.

That said, if you want to catch a fleeting glimpse of the life of those living in the upper echelon, here are some hotels in Monaco to check out!

Lower-Cost Stay

• Le Meridien Beach Plaza — 4-star hotel located right on beach | ⭐️ 8.4 / 10
• Columbus Hotel Monaco — popular 3-star hotel with outdoor pool | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10

Mid-Range Stay

• Fairmont Monte-Carlo — 4-star hotel next to casino and water | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
• Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort — 4-star hotel in less tourist area | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Fancy Stays

• Hotel Hermitage Monte-Carlo — 5-star hotel, right across from Casino | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
• Hotel de Paris Monte Carlo — 5-star hotel, right along Port Hercules | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10

Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.

Nice vs Monaco: Getting Around

When comparing Nice and Monaco in terms of ease of getting around, Nice definitely wins. The city has an extensive public transportation network that includes trains, buses, trams, and taxis.

Therefore, navigating around the city is super convenient, easy, and pretty affordable . The city is also fairly walkable with lots of sites readily accessible on foot.

In contrast, public transportation options in Monaco are limited to just buses . That said, because of the compact size of Monaco, there really isn’t a need or space for a more extensive public transportation system.

Plus, Monaco is also pretty walkable. You’ll have to trek up some ramps and hills as it’s located on a mountain, but it’s still manageable and the sidewalks/pathways are well-maintained.

And again, if you don’t want to deal with finding your way around either city, you can always opt for a walking tour. It’s the best way to see the popular spots, learn the local history, and see some lesser-known spots as well!

✅🚶‍♀️ Explore walking tours in Nice or walking tours in Monaco

Nice vs Monaco: Airport Comparison

For airports, there is no Nice vs Monaco comparison that needs to be made. Nice has the only international airport in the area. The airport is located just 30 minutes away from the city’s Old Town. It offers a variety of flight options to all kinds of destinations around Europe and the world.

Meanwhile, Monaco does not have an International airport or any airport at all. So, most people will fly out of Nice or use the single heliport that Monaco does have… But, that’s usually only an option for the ultra-rich. As such, people oftentimes just hire a car to take them from Nice International airport to Monaco since it takes almost an hour by public transportation and half the time by private car.

✅ 🚕 Check rates for private transportation from Nice airport to Monaco

Nice vs Monaco: Food & Drink Costs

Looking at the local food scene in Nice vs Monaco, my opinion is that Nice wins in terms of cost and the variety of options that it offers.

From my experience, your typical restaurant in Nice will cost you about €18-20 for a meal, whereas a meal at a normal restaurant in Monaco can cost you around €25 . However, if you look around enough, you can find places with cheaper prices as I did when I last visited.

In terms of flavors and food options available, Nice has more to offer. Whether it’s the classic Ratatouille , the more regional dishes like Salade Niçoise and Socca (chickpea flatbread), or Pissaladière (flatbread kinda like pizza), there’s so much to try!

On the flip side, Monaco is more centered around seafood dishes and luxurious experiences. But it can’t be denied that the food in Monaco is also delicious, even if it’s a bit pricier than when compared to Nice.

FUN FACT : For any foodies, Monaco has the world’s only organic Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s called Elsa and part of the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel! Currently it’s closed, but expected to reopen soon again in the future.

Nice vs Monaco: Frequently Asked Questions

There is no right or wrong answer as it depends on what kind of vacation experience you’re looking for. Nice is a bit cheaper , more family-oriented, and has a wider selection of beaches making it more accessible. Contrastingly, Monaco offers you a chance to party the night away, enjoy views of the many harbors and super yachts, experience some of the glitz and glamour of the city, and more.

Monaco is a very popular day trip from Nice and vice versa. Other day trips to do from Nice include to Villefranche-sur-mer, Cannes, Antibes, and the small hilltop village of Èze !

The train journey from Nice to Monaco is 30 minutes.

By now, it’s pretty easy to guess my position — Nice is absolutely worth visiting. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. You can take in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea, explore the city’s modern and old-world charms, and enjoy the amazing flavors of the region.

I think at this point, it’s harder to name places in the world that aren’t worth visiting… But some of the reasons I found Monaco worth visiting are that it is ridiculously beautiful everywhere, I loved seeing the fancy cars zoom by, and the history of the small principality is neat to learn about!

Ultimately, Nice and Monaco have fairly similar experiences to offer visitors and are delightful places to stay at. But, it all comes down to what you want out of a vacation destination.

Nice is a fantastic destination for family-oriented or budget travelers who want to explore the city and have a wide selection of beaches to choose from. Meanwhile, Monaco is perfect for those looking to enjoy more of the nightlife, luxury shopping, and upscale restaurants.

Similarly, when it comes to getting around both places, Nice is easier since there are more public transportation options. But, both cities are honestly pretty walkable, so I wouldn’t let that be your main deciding factor.

No matter which one you choose, I hope this (likely overly in-depth 😅) comparison of Nice vs Monaco has been insightful and that your vacation experience is one for the books!

And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out !

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• Want to travel to the 6th smallest country in Europe? Here’s what to know about the independent principality of Andorra !

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!