Highlights
Monaco-Ville (Le Rocher)
The old town on its rocky headland holds the Prince's Palace, where the changing of the guard takes place just before midday, narrow lanes of pastel houses and the cathedral where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are buried.
Oceanographic Museum
A grand museum built into the cliff face below the old town, opened in 1910 by Prince Albert I and once directed by Jacques Cousteau. Its aquarium, shark lagoon and rooftop terrace with views along the coast make it the principality's best-loved sight.
Monte-Carlo Casino and Place du Casino
The ornate Belle Époque casino, designed by Charles Garnier's team, faces formal gardens and the Hôtel de Paris. Visitors can tour the gaming rooms during the day; dress codes apply later on.
The Grand Prix circuit
The Monaco Grand Prix is run on public streets, so you can walk the route: up the hill from Sainte-Dévote, around Casino Square, down the famous hairpin, through the tunnel and along the harbour.
Port Hercule
The main harbour between the old town and Monte-Carlo is lined with superyachts, and in winter it hosts an ice rink. Boat taxis cross the water, and promenades make it a pleasant walk.
Jardin Exotique
A garden of cacti and succulents clinging to the cliffs high above Fontvieille, with sweeping views over the principality. It also includes a cave with stalactites, accessible on guided visits.
Japanese Garden and Larvotto
On the eastern seafront, a small, peaceful Japanese garden with a pond, tea house and stone lanterns sits close to Larvotto, Monaco's public beach.
Princess Grace Rose Garden, Fontvieille
A rose garden with thousands of bushes in the Fontvieille district, created in memory of Princess Grace. Fontvieille itself stands on land reclaimed from the sea.
Interesting facts about Monaco
- Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world after Vatican City.
- The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco, with interruptions, since 1297, when François Grimaldi is said to have captured the fortress disguised as a monk; two monks with swords appear on the coat of arms.
- Monégasque citizens are not allowed to gamble in Monaco's casinos.
- Much of Monaco's modern territory, including the Fontvieille district and the newer Mareterra district, was built on land reclaimed from the sea.
- Monaco has no airport; most visitors arrive via Nice airport, and a helicopter shuttle can make the hop in a few minutes.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn, roughly April to June and September to October, offer warm weather, gardens in bloom and fewer crowds. July and August are hot and busy, with beach life and summer events. The Formula 1 Grand Prix, usually in late May, and the yacht show in September fill hotels and close roads, so plan around them unless you are coming for them. Winters are mild and quiet, and the Monte-Carlo Rally and the International Circus Festival take place in January.
Practical information
| Capital | Monaco (a city-state) |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Languages | French |
| Plugs | Type C, E |
| Voltage | 230 V, 50 Hz |
| Emergency | 112 (general), 17 police, 18 fire and ambulance |
| Driving | On the right |
| Tipping | Service is usually included. Leaving an extra 5–10% for good service in restaurants is common. |
Getting around
Monaco is easily reached by regional train from Nice, Menton and Ventimiglia; the station is built into the hillside. Buses and coastal roads also connect it with Nice and nearby towns. Once there, walking is the best way to get around, helped by a network of free public lifts and escalators that connect the different levels of the city. Local buses cover all districts, and a small boat bus crosses Port Hercule. Parking is expensive and roads are busy, so leave the car outside if you can.
Staying connected in Monaco
Mobile coverage is excellent throughout Monaco, with fast 4G and 5G. Free Wi-Fi is available in many public places and hotels. One thing to know: Monaco is not part of the European Union, so EU roaming rules do not automatically apply, and some European plans charge extra there. Because it is surrounded by France, phones may also switch between Monégasque and French networks as you walk. Install an eSIM before you travel and switch it on when you arrive, so your data stays predictable.
See Monaco eSIM plans · How to install an eSIM
Useful apps for Monaco
- Google Maps: Walking routes that take account of Monaco's many levels, lifts and staircases.
- SNCF Connect: Train times and tickets for regional trains along the Riviera to and from Monaco.
- Google Translate: French is the official language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas.