10 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN MONACO
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
This post is about the best things to see and do in Monaco
Monaco is the world’s second smallest nation behind the Vatican, spanning just 200 hectares yet it is the playground of the rich and famous. 30% of the people who live in Monaco are millionaires.
Located along the French Riviera, 20 miles from Italy it enjoys, on average, 300 days of sunshine each year. It’s peak season is July and August and that’s when the weather is at it’s warmest, the crowds are at their maximum and the hotel prices sky rocket. Because of this I recommend visiting in April/May or September/October. You will still benefit from the glorious sunshine and warm weather but the crowds will have dwindled and the prices will have dropped.
Check out some of the best things to do during your visit in Monaco.
This post is about the best things to do in Monaco. A perfect day trip on the French Riviera.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? 📍PIN FOR LATER
LARVOTTO BEACH
Despite its 2.38 miles of beautiful coastline Monaco only has one, relatively small public beach which is located in the Monte Carlo district. Larvotto Beach is a great place to soak up the sun or enjoy some water sports. It has fine golden sand and beautiful crystal clear blue waters. The sea is surrounded by nets to protect swimmers from the hundreds of jelly fish that are out in the open water.
As it’s the only public beach expect it to get busy as the tourists and locals alike flock to it on warmer days. You can lay down your towel on the sand or free or spend a few euros to rent a lounger. Whatever you choice, plan to be there early if you want to bag a spot in peak season.
There are great facilites on and near the beach with free public toilets, changing rooms and showers. It’s also surrounded by many excellent restaurants where you can grab a bite or a refreshing drink.
Location: Larvotto Beach, Monaco-Ville, 98000 Monaco
Open: all day, everyday
Cost: free
THE PRINCES PALACE (PALAIS DU PRINCE)
The Palais du Prince is the official residence of Prince Albert II, Monaco’s current head of state. (2023) It is an elegant building sitting ontop of a hill which means it’s visable from almost anywhere in Monaco plus you are rewarded for the short walk up there with fantastic views over Monte Carlo on one side and the trendy Fontvielle on the other.
The building itself dates back to the 13th century and you can go on a tour inside which takes you to see the Throne Room, the famous Blue Room and a Palatine Chapel.
You purchase your tickets at a little shop just outside the entrance in the square. They cost €10 per adult and €5 per child. There are options to buy combination tickets at a discounted rate if you’ll be visiting the Oceanographic Museum or the Prince’s Car Collection (a must for F1 or car fans)
Every morning at 11:55am the changing of the guard happens in the square outside the palace and I’d recommend getting there 10/15 minutes before that if you want to bag yourself a good spot to be able to watch.
Location: Palais du Prince, Monaco-Ville, 98015 Monaco
Open: April – mid October: daily from 10 am to 6 pm
MUSEE OCEANOGRAPHIQUE
The Musée Oceanographique is 90 meters above sea level and it took 11 years to construct the foundations that stop the museum collapsing in to the sea below. It is an aquarium that houses over 6000 marine life creatures and 100 different pools that are designed to mimic the vreatures natural habitat
It was officially opened in 1910 which makes it one of the oldest aquariums in the world.
There are three aquariums for you to enjoy including a Mediterranean Aquarium, a Tropical Aquarium, and a Shark Lagoon.
The Musée Oceanographique opens at 10am and it’s best to head there early to beat the queues and view the aquariums before the swarms of crowds arrive. It costs €19 for adults and €12 for children. If you are planning on visiting the Palais du Prince or the Car Collection it’s worth getting the twin ticket for €25 (€14.50 kids).
Location: Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco
Open: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Buy your ticket in advance Musee Oceangraphique Ticket
GARDENS OF MONACO
Something that will strike you instantly as you arrive in Monaco is just how many beautiful, immaculately mantained green spaces there are. Whilst Monaco is a bustling sovereign state it feels like you are never more than a few minutes walk from the peace and tranqulity of some peaceful gardens.
The Japanese Gardens in the heart of Monte Carlo offer a relaxing oasis with running water sounds, koi fish and bridges. You can head to Fontvielle and relax at Jardin Exotique which overlooks the ocean and homes over 7000 different specicies of plants. Nearby there is an Observatory Cave with stalactites and stalagmites.
Monaco’s first public garden is Les Jardins St Martin, which opened in 1816 to provide work for the residents after a famine hit.
Location: Monaco-Ville, 98000 Monaco
CASINOS OF MONACO
Monaco has numerous casinos in the Monte Carlo area. The Casino Le Cafe de Paris is the largest venue with over 400 gaming and video poker machines but Casino de Monte Carlo is one of the most famous casinos in the world and has been the location for many films including Golden Eye, Oceans Twelve and Never Say Never Again. Summon your inner James Bond, head inside and try your luck on the roulette tables, craps tables or slot machines.
Casino de Monte Carlo games room is open every day from 2pm. There is a charge of €10 per person to enter and you should have photo ID with you as you must be over 18 to enter.
Between 10am and 1pm you can enter the grand atrium (minors included) of this Beaux Arts style building for free and take a look around. It is extremely lavish with 28 onyx columns, a balcony all the way around and beautifully tiled floors.
Location: Casino de Monte Carlo, 98000 Monaco
Open: Daily from 10am
MONACO CATHEDRAL
Monaco Cathedral is a beautiful Neo-Romanesque building in Monaco-Ville. It was built in 1875 and houses the remains of the former princes of Monaco including Prince Rainier.
Some of the artifacts inside are older than the cathedral itself such as an altar piece which was painted in 1500. Other items to look out for include a grand organ as well as the white marble main throne.
There is no entrance fee to Monaco Cathedral and it is a place of worship. Remember to dress respectfully if you want to go inside.
Location: 4 Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, 98000 Monaco
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm (except for Mass)
TOUR MONACO HARBOUR
There are several ports dotted along the shoreline of Monaco including the main Port Hercules and the two smaller Port de Fontvielle and Port Plaisance Cap D’Ail.
Wandering around the ports you are surrounded by the super yachts of the rich and famous. The port also houses the Prince’s main yacht.
There are also a range of restaurants and cafes near all the habours so if you fancy a bite to eat whilst admiring the yachts you can grab one.
ADMIRE THE COLLECTION OF VOITURES ANCIENNES
A must see for any Formula 1 fans or just car enthusiasts in general.
On the waterfront you can enter 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 which includes a Renault 12cv 4 cylindres Torpedo 1911, Panhard Levassor 1913, Ford T 1924, Peugeot Quadrilette 1921, Lincoln 1928, Packard 1935, Cadillac 1653, Chrysler Imperial 1956, and some of the most prestigious models from Maserati, Jaguar, Mercedes and Rolls Royce.
For F1 fans you can get up close to Monegasque Charles Le Clercs' 2019 Monza winning Ferrari.
It costs €10 for adults and €5 for 6-17 year olds
Location: 54 route de la Piscine - Port Hercule - Monaco
Open: Daily 10am - 6pm
TRAVELLING IN MONACO?
THESE POSTS WILL BE USEFUL TO YOU
Monaco general travel guide - a must for all the general info on Monaco.
How to experience Monaco on a budget - will show you how to save some money whilst visiting his very expensive country.
How to get to Tete du Chien - will explain how to get the best views on Monaco.
Driving the Monaco Grand Prix circuit - a must for all formula 1 fans.
Watch a video of 24 hours in Monaco - see what I did when I was in Monaco for inspiration.
DO SOME SHOPPING
It should come as no surprise that Monaco offers an abundance of high-end shopping opportunities with the best located opposite the Casino Gardens, the Métropole Shopping Center. There are 80 designer boutiques inside but even if you haven’t got the cash it’s still worth a visit to window shop and see the opulant building with marble floors and grand chandeliers.
Inside you’ll find Gucci, Giovanni Raspini, Chantelle and more – if you do want to buy some clothes, jewellery or perfume make sure you’re equipped with plenty of cash, you’ll need it!
Location: 17 Avenue des Spélugues, 98000 Monaco
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 7.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
WALK AROUND THE OLD TOWN
The Old Town of Monaco is centered on ‘Le Rocher’ which means ‘The Rock’ and is a labyrinth of charming little alleyways that date from the middle ages. It is surrounded on three sides by the clear blue of the Mediterrean sea. The Grimaldi family’s palace stands here and also where the young Princess Gabriella and Prince Jacques (the children of Prince Albert II and Charlene Wittstock) live. Grace Kelly also lived here until her death in 1982.
I recommend a slow meandering wander around the streets taking it all in and visiting anything that catches your eye. You will find a huge range of the best attractions in Monaco including the Museum of Old Monaco, St Nicholas Square and the Chapel of Peace.
Location: Le Rocher 98000 Monaco
Open: all day, every day
WATCH OUR 24 HOURS IN MONACO
MONACO GOOD READS
Did you know that …
When you purchase something through my links I earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
