What to do in Monaco?

To visit Monaco is to discover the second smallest state in the world, just after the Vatican.

Synonymous with luxury and opulence, this city on the Côte d’Azur is known throughout the world for its casino, its 5* hotels and its famous “Rock”.

To help you prepare for your stay, I have concocted the top 25 best things to do and see in Monaco. You will find all the must-see places of interest in and around the Principality.

I also give you my ideas for itineraries to visit Monaco in 1, 2 or 3 days.

And as usual, at the end of the article, I have selected the best hotels for you to stay according to your budget.

So, what to do and see in Monaco?

Visit Monaco: the essentials

1. The Rock of Monaco

We start with the must-see place in Monaco: the Rock.

This is where the history of the city begins , when in 1297, Francesco Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, managed to seize the Rock to found the famous Grimaldi dynasty and the principality of Monaco, still in power today. today.

Le Rocher, a district in its own right, constitutes the old town of Monaco or “Monaco-Ville”. It is best to reach it on foot to enjoy the views of the port and the city.

Very different from the modern part of the city with its buildings, the historic heart of Monaco has narrow streets, colorful houses, and of course its share of souvenir shops and restaurants.

Visiting the Rock of Monaco also means discovering many emblematic places of interest:

• The Prince’s Palace, which I mention below
• Saint Nicholas Cathedral (point 3)
• The Saint-Martin gardens, see point 4
• The oceanographic museum (point 5)

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

Before leaving for Monaco, you can book your “Pass Côte d’Azur France”. It gives you 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 stamp and currency museum.

You can also take the hop-on hop-off bus which offers a 12-stop circuit in Monaco for a whole day. Headphones are provided to learn more about the different places of interest.

2. The Prince’s Palace of Monaco

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

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

It is possible to visit part of the Prince’s Palace but only from April to October. In particular, you will be able to discover:

• The main courtyard and its double staircase in marble
• The Hercules gallery and its sumptuous frescoes depicting characters from mythology
• The Grands Appartements: several lounges adorned with luxurious furniture, rich hangings and paintings. It is here that the Prince receives his prestigious guests during official ceremonies. You can also admire the throne room.

You will find information on timetables and prices to organize your visit to the Prince’s Palace of Monaco on the official website.

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

At 11.55 a.m. sharp, every day, you can witness the changing of the guard of the Compagnie des Carabiniers on the Place du Palais.

3. St. Nicholas Cathedral

I advise you to continue this visit of Monaco by the Saint-Nicolas cathedral, still in the district of the old town.

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

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

You can also admire the 2 large organs, the high altar, the episcopal throne and an altarpiece dating from the year 1500.

The visit to Saint-Nicolas Cathedral in Monaco is free.

4. The Saint-Martin Gardens

Continue your walk in Monaco through the Saint-Martin gardens, directly accessible by an entrance opposite the cathedral.

The first public garden in the Principality of Monaco, opened in 1816, offers several steep paths on the sides of rocks where you can contemplate the panorama of the sea.

An ideal place to go in Monaco to enjoy the freshness and discover many sculptures.

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

Nowadays, it is unfortunately increasingly difficult to find a hotel offering good value for money in Monaco.

Fortunately, the solution to this problem is simple: do like me and plan ahead!

So take 5 minutes now to take a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Monaco. And if you like a hotel, book it!

Cancellation is often free, it’s quick, easy, and it will protect you from the inconvenience of finding nothing, except mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To see the best offers of the moment in Monaco, simply click here.

Once your hotel is booked, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

5. The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco

If there is one activity that I recommend you do in Monaco, it is to visit the oceanographic museum.

It is not far from the cathedral, you can reach it in a few minutes on foot via 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 directed for a long time by Commander Cousteau.

Today the museum is divided into 2 parts:

• An aquarium to observe sharks, turtles, piranhas but also more Mediterranean species such as moray eels or jellyfish.
• A museum where impressive skeletons of whales and dolphins are exhibited, as well as models and fossils.

Several activities are also offered: sound and light, touch pool or animal feeding.

The museum is really well done and very interesting. This is the ideal family outing in Monaco! Count about 2 hours of visit.

It’s Monaco’s most popular tourist attraction, so it gets really crowded! To save time and avoid queuing, I advise you to buy your skip-the-line tickets online.

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

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

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

It leaves in front of the oceanographic museum and offers a commented tour (12 languages ​​available) of about thirty minutes passing the old town, the Palace, the Casino, Monte-Carlo and the palaces.

More information on the official website.

6. Casino of Monte-Carlo

During your trip to Monaco, do not miss to pass by the Monte-Carlo casino. Even if you’re not a fan of slot machines or roulette, at least go and admire its exterior facade.

The casino was built in 1863 by the same architect as the Opéra Garnier in Paris, Charles Garnier. Inside is the Opera House (a replica of the one in Paris) which hosts many concerts and games rooms, all beautifully decorated.

You will be able to access the interior of the casino in the morning (paying visit) but from 2 p.m., access is entirely dedicated to players.

The casino is located on the Place du Casino and is part of the most famous district of Monaco: that of Monte-Carlo.

In Monte-Carlo, you will also find:

• The iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a world-renowned palace and where overnight rates start from €530. The price of luxury for an exceptional stay in Monaco! You can book your night at the Hôtel de Paris by clicking here.
• Chef Alain Ducasse’s “Le Louis XV” restaurant, awarded 3 stars in the Michelin Guide
• The Café de Paris to enjoy a cocktail with a view of the Casino or buy an ice cream made by no less than the World Ice Cream Champion, Gérard Taurin.
• Luxury boutiques and jewelery in the part nicknamed the “Golden Square”. I give you more details on shopping in Monaco a little further.

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

To discover the district of Monte-Carlo and the Rock, you also have the possibility of choosing a guided tour. 

The pick-up by minibus of a maximum of 8 people is done directly in front of your hotel in Monaco and you will be accompanied by Renaud, your guide. He is super friendly and knows the city like the back of his hand!

On the program: the Prince’s Palace, the old town, the cathedral, the Casino and the Hôtel de Paris. These visits are organized at the end of the day to enjoy the nocturnal atmosphere and the illuminated buildings.

7. The Exotic Garden of Monaco

Another tourist site in Monaco that I recommend you visit: the exotic garden.

Located on the heights of the city, this garden of over 15,000 m² is home to hundreds of cacti and other exotic plant species, particularly 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.

Timetables and prices on the official website.

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

It is in the exotic garden that one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the rock of Monaco is to be found.

8. The Observatory Cave

The entrance 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 (compulsory) are organized every hour from 10 a.m. and allow you to discover the caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The remains of animal bones, found nearby, testify to the presence of prehistoric men in the area.

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

9. Port Hercules

If you want to admire the yachts during your stay in Monaco, then head to Port Hercule!

Located below the Monte-Carlo district, at the foot of the Rock, the city’s main port is the mooring place for cruise ships and luxury pleasure boats.

Each year, the quays of Port Hercule also host the funfair of Monaco, which is generally held between October and November. If you have decided to visit Monaco during the All Saints holidays, it’s a good idea for a family outing!

The fair then gives way to the Monaco Christmas Village where you will find the classic Christmas market but also a large outdoor ice rink, rides, the Ferris wheel and shows.

10. The Japanese Garden

I continue this guide to Monaco through the Japanese garden.

Right in the middle of the buildings, the place clashes a bit with its ponds filled with Koi carp, its small pavilions and its Zen atmosphere.

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

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

Admission is free.

11. The Grimaldi Forum

As you leave the Japanese garden, you will come across the building of the Grimaldi Forum : the Palais des Congrès et de la culture de Monaco.

With its futuristic design, all in glass and steel, you won’t be able to miss it.

This cultural center organizes several exhibitions throughout the year and hosts numerous international events such as the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, ballets or the Champions League group draw.

Do not hesitate to consult the Grimaldi Forum website if you want to attend a concert or visit an exhibition during your stay in Monaco.

12. Fontvieille

After visiting the Rocher and Monte-Carlo districts, I suggest you continue your visit to Monaco through another emblematic district: Fontvieille.

Considered the “residential and popular” district, Fontvieille was built directly on the sea. There is a marina, restaurants but also many shops.

During your visit to Fontvieille, you can follow the Chemin des Sculptures on foot , a route embellished with several contemporary works by internationally renowned artists.

13. Princess Grace Rose Garden

Still in the Fontvieille sector, a walk in 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, organized into 7 different themes and spread over more than 5000 m².

It would be a shame to deprive yourself of it because the entrance is free.

14. Louis II Stadium

It is also in Fontvieille that one of the most important sports complexes in Europe is located: the Louis II stadium.

Football fans know that it is on this football pitch that AS Monaco trains and plays. But the stadium also includes an athletics track, a sports hall and an Olympic swimming pool.

Many international competitions take place there every year.

Stadium tours are organized every day (except Saturday and Sunday) between April and September. The information can be found right here.

15. Museums to visit in Monaco

The Oceanographic Museum is certainly the must-see museum in Monaco, but if you feel like doing a little more cultural tourism, I recommend that you visit other museums:

• The car collection of SAS Le Prince de Monaco where a hundred cars of all ages are exhibited, ranging from carriages, Lamborghinis or racing cars from the Monte-Carlo Rally and F1 cars from the Monaco Grand Prix. Official site.
• The Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology on the evolution of mankind. Do not miss the mammoth skeleton found in Siberia and reconstructed in the museum. Access included in the ticket for the exotic garden and the grotto.
• The Stamp and Coin Museum and its collection of rare philatelic coins
• The Museum of Old Monaco with its furniture, objects and costumes to represent life on the Rock at the time
• The Naval Museum of Monaco and its collection of ship models
• The New National Museum of Monaco located in 2 buildings: Villa Sauber and Villa Paloma. It hosts temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

16. The Condamine Market

Do you want to do some shopping and stock up on fruits and vegetables from the sun during your weekend in Monaco?

I advise you to go to the Condamine market. You will find everything you need to prepare good dishes from the South!

It is located on the Place d’Armes and then extends into the covered halls which include shops selling Monegasque, Italian and even Asian specialties.

The market is held daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

After your shopping at the market, do not hesitate to take a short tour of the Condamine district, which is the heart of Monaco.

Shopping area par excellence, there are plenty of small shops, restaurants and cafes. I recommend the following streets:

• rue Millo
• Grimaldi Street
• Rue Terraces
• Rue Princesse Caroline, pedestrianized

17. Larvotto Beach

The Principality being located by the sea, you can take advantage of your trip to Monaco to take a dip or simply sunbathe.

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

This beach of more than 400 meters is well equipped and lined with restaurants. You can also indulge in water activities such as windsurfing or jet-skiing.

There are also 2 other places to go swimming in Monaco:

• Fisherman’s Cove, a very small cove located at the bottom of the Rock. Access prohibited in case of strong swell.
• The Solarium beach: located towards Fort Antoine, it is an artificial bathing area. Swimming is also prohibited in rough seas.

18. The Animal Garden of Monaco

Have you decided to go on vacation to Monaco with your children?

In addition to the oceanographic museum, I suggest you take them to the animal garden.

It is at the level of the Terrasses de Fontvieille, on the south side of the Rock.

The garden has the particularity of collecting only animals that have been abandoned or that have been given to it: no animal has been purchased. Today it has around 50 species including turtles, hippopotamuses, reptiles and birds.

19. The Monaco Grand Prix

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

This legendary race is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world. Organized for the first time in 1929, it has seen a succession of distinguished drivers such as Fangio, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

The circuit, which takes place entirely in town, passes through Port Hercule, Monte-Carlo and La Condamine.

The Monaco Grand Prix takes place at the end of May every year.

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

If you dream of putting yourself in the place of the drivers on the circuit and driving beautiful cars, I advise you to book a ride in a Ferrari or a Lamborghini.

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

To book your Ferrari tour in Monaco here.

And for a Lamborghini excursion, it’s right here.

20. Go Shopping in Monaco

If you don’t know what to do in Monaco after discovering all the tourist sites, it’s time to go shopping.

Along with Milan, Paris or London, Monaco is unquestionably one of the preferred destinations for luxury shopping. Between haute couture boutiques, perfumeries and jewelry, fashionistas will be spoiled for choice.

You find the main luxury boutiques in the famous “Carré d’Or” which includes Boulevard des Moulins, Boulevard d’ Italie and Avenue Princesse Grace.

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

For slightly more affordable items, I recommend the Fontvieille shopping center or the Condamine shops.

21. Helicopter Flight over Monaco

There’s nothing like a helicopter flight to observe all the places of interest in Monaco from above .

During a ten-minute flight, you can discover incredible aerial views of the Prince’s Palace, the oceanographic museum or the Casino.

This incredible experience can be booked directly here.

What to do around Monaco?

After these suggestions for organizing your visit to the Principality of Monaco, I now suggest that you discover the things to do in the surroundings of Monaco.

Here is the list of my 4 favorite places easily accessible from the city.

22. Chin

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

The 2 cities are only about ten km apart, about 30 minutes by car or 10 minutes by train.

To visit Menton, nicknamed “The Pearl of France”, nothing beats a walk to admire the colorful facades of the houses, the picturesque alleys and enjoy the views of the sea and the city.

I advise you not to miss:

• The Saint-Michel Basilica and its impressive forecourt of 250,000 pebbles
• The Chapel of the White Penitents for its view
• Long Street, the main street of the old town
• The Pian park and its 500 olive trees
• The Saint-Michel plateau and its panorama over the whole city
• The Jean-Cocteau Museum
• The Halles market

23. Nice

Impossible for me not to mention Nice among the must-see towns around Monaco. And for good reason, I lived there for almost 20 years!

In addition to the famous Promenade des Anglais, I recommend that you discover:

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

To prepare your stay in Nice, if you have planned a short weekend in PACA, the best thing is to read my article dedicated to the city right here: What to do in Nice?

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

If you want to organize a short stay to visit several cities on the French Riviera (Nice, Antibes, Cannes etc.), I also advise you to read my article: Itinerary for a week on the French Riviera.

24. Eze

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

Eze is divided into 2: a part by the sea and the “Eze Village” part , which is the most interesting to visit. Perched on top of the cliff, this small medieval village is very picturesque.

Full of charm with its cobbled streets and its stone houses with flowery facades, it also offers splendid panoramas over the entire coast.

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

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

25. Around Cap Martin

To enjoy the landscapes of the Côte d’Azur and the seaside, nothing beats a short hike.

Towards Monaco, one of the most beautiful and easiest is the one that goes around Cap Martin, between Menton and Monaco.

It offers beautiful views and if the season is right, you can even swim. 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.

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

For the most motivated among you, it is possible to go from Monaco to Menton (or from Menton to Monaco!) on foot, going around Cap Martin. Count a little more than 10km, or 3 hours of walking.

How many days to visit Monaco?

A quick visit to Monaco is doable in 1 day but if you want to visit the museums, it is better to plan 2 days.

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

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

1 Day Monaco Itinerary

If you have chosen to leave for 1 day in Monaco, I suggest you follow the following itinerary:

• Discovery of the Rock: passage through the Prince’s Palace, walk in the alleys, visit of the cathedral
• Borrow the gardens of Saint-Martin
• Visit to the Oceanographic Museum
• Lunch at the Condamine market or in nearby restaurants
• Join the Fontvieille district
• Visit of your choice of one of the museums, the rose garden or the exotic garden
• End of the day on the Casino side : shopping session / slot machines / dinner in a starred restaurant – It’s up to you!

Another great way to see as much as possible in a day is to opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. For Monaco, stops are planned at Rocher, Monte-Carlo, Fontvieille and Larvotto.

Tickets can be booked here.

Access to the bus for one day is included in the Pass Côte d’Azur France.

2 Days Monaco Itinerary

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

Day 1

• Discovery of the Rocher district
• Visit of the Prince’s Palace (in season)
• Walk in the old town with passage by the cathedral
• Admire the view from the Jardins Saint-Martin
• Visit to the Oceanographic Museum
• Walk in Fontvieille
• Visit to the Princess Grace Rose Garden
• Visit a museum of your choice in the neighborhood: Naval museum, car museum, stamp museums / Or the animal garden if you have children
• Why not treat yourself to the luxury of a helicopter flight!

Day 2

• Start with the Exotic Garden of Monaco
• Guided tour of the Observatory Cave and the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology (included in the garden ticket)
• Lunch at the Condamine market or in one of the restaurants in the area
• Walk along Port Hercule to admire the yachts
• You can continue to the Japanese garden
• Then go back up to the Monte-Carlo district
• Window shopping or shopping in the Carré d’Or
• Discovery of the Casino Square 
• If you have the budget, dine in one of the restaurants at the Hôtel de Paris and end the evening at the Casino.

Tips for your Monaco Itinerary

The detailed program of these 2 days can be read directly by clicking here: Weekend in Monaco.

3 Days Monaco Itinerary

In 3 days in Monaco, resume the previous program.

On the third day, go explore the surroundings: Menton, Eze, Nice or the tour of Cap Saint-Martin are all possible choices.

If you want to stay in Monaco, you can relax on Larvotto beach or visit the museums you didn’t have time to do.

Accommodation in Monaco

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

• Hôtel de France: located 200 meters from the Prince’s Palace. Double room from 135€. Most: the price for Monaco, the cleanliness, the welcoming staff.
• Novotel Monte-Carlo: located 600 meters from the Casino. Modern and bright double room from €170, breakfast included. Most: the swimming pool, the setting, the great breakfast. It is our favorite for its price/performance ratio in Monaco.
• Fairmont Monte Carlo: located 500 meters from Larvotto. Comfortable and cozy double room from €231, breakfast at €39. Most: the large swimming pool, the excellent bedding, the location on the seafront.
• Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: located 300 meters from Larvotto. Modern and spacious double room with balcony from €290, breakfast at €38. Most: the pool area, the Spa, the casino, the view.

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

• Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo: located in the Carré d’Or. Classically decorated room with wooden furniture and marble bathroom from €370, breakfast at €43. The pluses: the Spa, the gourmet cuisine, the private car park. The establishment was awarded the prize for Best Hotel in France/Monaco by the Readers Choice Award. 
• Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo: located 200 meters from the Casino. This palace, classified as a historic monument, offers elegant rooms with refined decoration from €390, breakfast at €43. The pluses: the winter garden, the Spa, the terrace, the starred restaurant. One of the best luxury hotels in Monaco!
• Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: located on the Place du Casino. You can enjoy sumptuous rooms decorated with great taste from 590€, breakfast at 46€. Most: the swimming pool, the refinement, the caring staff. This is the emblematic hotel where to sleep in Monaco!

Accommodation in Nice

• Hotel Ozz by Happyculture : Located about 15 minutes from the beach on foot. Nice place and decoration, friendly staff, well placed and comfortable beds. We ask for no more! Only 20€ per night in dormitory. Double room at 55€. This is the best choice if you are looking for a budget hotel in Nice!
• Hotel Brice Garden : Located in the city center of Nice, 5 minutes walk from the beach and the Promenade des Anglais. Very well appointed and clean room from 80€ per night. Helpful and welcoming staff. The best value for money if you want to be in the city center. To book well in advance!
• Hôtel le Saint Paul : Located 50 meters from the port of Nice, quiet, breathtaking view of the sea. Large bright room from €95 per night, buffet breakfast for €12. The plus: free private parking. Our big favorite in Nice!
• Hotel 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 palace with art deco architecture is quite simply the best in Nice. The rooms are sublime, the view is magnificent, the staff charming and the restaurant exceptional. This is the best choice for a luxury stay in Nice!

Where to eat in Monaco

• The Café de Paris: I told you about it, the Café de Paris is the ideal place to eat in Monaco on the terrace. You can enjoy the view of the Casino and admire the ballet of luxury cars. The brasserie du Café serves good traditional dishes but you should still expect to pay a little more for being in the trendy square!
• Les Perles de Monte-Carlo : located on the port of Fontvieille. Seafood and fish restaurant with guaranteed freshness! Very nice and pleasant for a restaurant far from the bling bling.
• Valentin: located in the Park Palace shopping arcade. This small Italian restaurant offers delicious pasta and excellent wines for a very good price/quality ratio.

There are also several starred restaurants to eat in Monaco.

For a chic evening in a starred restaurant, I recommend:

• Le Vistamar: one Michelin star, it is located in the Hôtel Hermitage.
• Restaurant Joel Robuchon Monte-Carlo : two stars in the Michelin Guide, it is in the Hôtel Métropole.
• The Louis XV Alain-Ducasse: three Michelin stars, located in the Hôtel de Paris.

How to go to Monaco?

Is it possible to get to Monaco by plane?

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

How to get to Monaco from Nice?

To go to Monaco from Nice, you then 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 connects Nice and Monaco. The journey takes only 1 hour with a departure from Nice at 9.30am and return at 6pm.

This allows you to spend a full day in Monaco and it is also the best solution to admire the superb landscapes of the Côte d’Azur from the sea.

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

In summer, the buses are also very full, so you can spend the whole trip standing up.

To go from Nice to Monaco by bus, you will have to take line 100 from the port.

4) Take the train. 

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

5) Rent a car which may be useful if you have planned a route to visit the Côte d’Azur.

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

You will be provided with a GPS and an itinerary to follow so you don’t miss any of the most beautiful places on the way and visit Monaco.

Organized Day Trip to Monaco

You can also choose to stay in Nice and visit Monaco for the day.

In this case, you can get there by bus, train or car, but also through organized excursions.

This type of outing is very convenient because you are picked up directly in front of your hotel and you benefit from the services of a driver and a guide throughout the day. You are sure not to miss anything and you do not have to bother with public transport.

There are 2 types of excursions departing from Nice:

• A half-day with the program visiting 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 such as Eze, Antibes and Cannes. A stop in the very beautiful village of Saint-Paul de Vence is also planned.

Monaco Tourist Map

To help you visualize the city a little better, I made you a  tourist map of Monaco listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 25 things to do in Monaco. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

And you, what do you plan to do in Monaco?

If you need help organizing your stay, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments.

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