15 Best things to do in Monaco
Hey everyone, in this article we will share with you the best things to do in Monaco. In Mai 2024, we spent 1 week travelling in south of France, precisely in the PACA region (Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur) and around the department of the Var and Alpes-Maritimes.
Monaco was obviously on our itinerary as we have never been together there and never really visited it. Plus, Monaco would be another country to add to our list of countries.
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west Italy. The principality is home to 38,682 residents, of whom 9,486 are Monégasque nationals; it is recognised as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places in the world. The official language is French; however Monégasque, English and Italian are spoken and understood by many residents.
With an area of 2.08 km2 (0.80 sq mi), Monaco is the second-smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City. Its population makes it the most densely populated sovereign state. Monaco has the world’s shortest coastline: 3.83 km (2.38 mi).
In this article, we will tell our story going around all the best things to do in Monaco. So, if you too are planning a trip to the south of France and the French Riviera than it should include Monaco. But enough for now, let ‘s dive in these best things to do in Monaco.
Here is our complete video from this trip :
Table of Contents
Getting there
Let’s start these best things to do in Monaco by how to get to Monaco. Well, it is easy.
Nice International Airport is located 30km from the centre of Monaco, so the best way to get to Monaco is to flight to Nice, France. And then rent a car to drive to Monaco. For our rental, we always use rentalcars.com and always had the best experience ever.
If you do not want to rent a car, you can always take a taxi or an airport transfer. For a cheaper option would be to take the bus 110 towards Menton which takes 40min.
You can also consider doing a one day trip to Monaco from Nice. Or if time is short for you half a day tour could be the solution. Both tours include stop at Eze and Monte Carlo. But more on that later in these best things to do in Monaco article.
Moving Around
The best way to move around Monaco is on foot. Let’s be honest, once you are in the city center of Monaco you can easily reach all the main sight walking around. But you always have the option of taking buses in Monaco. From example, to go from the city center of Monaco to Monte Carlo, take the bus 80 or 600 for around 10min.
A cleaver option to freely move around is the HOP ON/HOP OFF bus that runs around the best things to do in Monaco.
When to Visit
Monaco is located in south of France; it is therefore a year-round destination. Monaco is blessed with a Mediterranean climate that brings mild winters and hot summers. Yet, the best time to visit Monaco may depend on whether you are looking to attend any of the big events like the Monaco Grand Prix (May), the Monte Carlo Rally (January), or if you want to hit the beach (June to September).
In any case remember that the peak season is July and August. We would recommend going in May/June or September/October.
Where to Stay
Our favourite places to stay in Monaco are:
However, we could recommend staying in Nice:
- (€): Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice
- (€€): Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel
- (€€€): Hotel Le Negresco
What to Eat
Regarding cuisine, Monaco is the same as the rest of the French Riviera, meaning that Mediterranean cuisine will be everywhere. You will find lots of great fish and seafood as well as all the meat dishes that you find in this area.
While there, we went to the “Quai des Artistes” the restaurant was beautiful and the good really good.
Best things to do in Monaco
Rock of Monaco
Without a doubt on top of the best things to do in Monaco is the rock of Monaco. The Rock of Monaco is a 62-metre-tall monolith overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Port Hercules. It is the heart of the old town, and it is there that are located all the cute streets of Monaco.
Prince's Palace of Monaco
At a close second place in the best things to do in Monaco, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco is without a doubt an attraction that you shouldn’t miss. The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress, during its long and often dramatic history it has been bombarded and besieged by many foreign powers.
There are multiple ways of enjoying the Prince’s Palace of Monaco, the simpliest is by walking around, wating for the change of guards, a cool event taking place at 11h55 everyday. But if you miss it you can still see some guards around.
The other way to visit the palace is by visiting it: (Visit of the Grand Apartments)
- March 26 to June 30: 10am – 5pm. The Palais closes at 6pm.
- July 1 to August 31: 10 am – 6 pm. The Palais closes at 7pm.
- September 1 to October 13: 10am – 5pm. Palace closes at 6pm.
- Visits will be closed during the F1 Grand Prix weekend.
You can buy your ticket online here.
Cathédrale de Monaco
Also located on the rock of Monaco, the Cathedral of Our Immaculate Lady, formerly called the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, or informally the Cathedral of Monaco, is a Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Monaco in Monaco-Ville.
Jardins Saint-Martin
The Jardin St. Martin are located on the rock of Monaco. The gardens have an estimated area of 11,200 square meters (1.12 hectares) and is filled with Flora including Aleppo pine trees and yellow agaves in its terraces with medieval fortifications also featuring in the gardens.
Oceanographic Museum of Monaco
On a rainy day, the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is one of the best things to do in Monaco as you will be for most of its visit be inside. The museum is home to exhibitions and collections of various species of sea fauna (starfish, seahorses, turtles, jellyfish, crabs, lobsters, rays, sharks, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, eels, cuttlefish etc.). The museum’s holdings also include a great variety of sea related objects, including model ships, sea animal skeletons, tools, weapons etc., as well as a collection of material culture and ritual objects made from, or integrating materials such as pearls, molluscs and nacre.
You can buy your ticket on the spot or online if you want to avoid the line.
Monaco’s Photo Frame
The Monaco’s Photo Frame can be found on the side of the road while walking up from the port to the rock of Monaco. It offers a nice view of the port Hercules.
Port Hercules
This might not really be a thing to do but it will be on your way. And is for sure one of the most famous places in Monaco. Port Hercules is the only deep-water port in Monaco. The port has been in use since ancient times. The modern port was completed in 1926, and underwent substantial improvements in the 1970s. It covers almost 40 acres, enough to provide anchorage for up to 700 vessels.
Formula 1 racetrack
One of the main event taking place in Monaco is the Formula 1 race. Sadly, this can only be seen in May when the race is about to take place. At that time, the whole city is changed in order to create a racetrack within its streets. You can event drive or walk on some part of it or even take a walking tour.
Roseraie Princesse Grace
For us, one of the best things to do in Monaco is the Roseraie Princesse Grace. With its 469 rose beds covering an area of over 5000m², the Princess Grace Rose Garden is a place of calm and serenity. The perfect place to stroll around and enjoy.
Exotic Garden of Monaco
Spread over an area of around 15 hectares, the Exotic Garden is home to a thousand cacti and other succulent plants with stems or hypertrophic leaves which store water. Originally from the planet’s main semi-arid regions, these plants still produce plenty of flowers.
Casino de Monte-Carlo
Not sure if this is really one of the best things to do in Monaco but it sure is a famous spot in town. The Monte Carlo Casino is a gambling and entertainment complex including a casino, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. In anycase we don’t recommend gambling but it is worth popping by.
Princess Grace Japanese Garden
We love Japanese gardens. If there is one somewhere it is likely it will be in our blog and the one from Moanco is no exception and is one of the best things to do in Monaco. This green oasis is a rich mix of Japanese tradition and Mediterranean touches, the result of close collaboration between gardeners from Monaco and Japan.
Larvotto Beach
If weather allows, Larvotto beach is the main beach in Monaco. It is a nice place to chill at or to walk on.
Eze Village
In the best things to do in Monaco, we had to included some must-see places that are around Monaco. Eze was the highlight of our visit in Monaco. Eze. It is located on the French Riviera, 8.5 km to the northeast of Nice and 4.5 km to the west of Monaco. With its beautiful old town vibes, Eze is a remarkable place to stop at. And be sure to visit the garden on top of the town. It is worth it.
Menton
On the other side of Monaco, closer to the Italian border, Menton is known for beaches and gardens such as the Serre de la Madone garden. East, the hilly, medieval old town is home to Basilique Saint-Michel, with its 18th-century bell tower, and the ornate facade of La Chapelle des Pénitents-Blancs. Nearby, the Musée Jean Cocteau collection Séverin Wunderman displays works by poet Jean Cocteau
More things to do in Monaco:
- Grimaldi Forum: The Grimaldi Forum Monaco, is an international event venue located in Monte Carlo. It hosts approximately 120 events
And that’s the end of the best things to do in Monaco.
It is not the destination where you end up but the mishaps and memories you create along the way
