monaco travel books

©Xantana/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Squeezed into just 200 hectares, Monaco might be the world’s second-smallest country (only the Vatican is smaller), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in attitude. A magnet for high-rollers and hedonists since the early 20th century, it's also home to the annual Formula One Grand Prix.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Casino de Monte Carlo

Peeping inside Monte Carlo’s legendary marble-and-gold casino is a Monaco essential. The building, open to visitors every morning, including the exclusive…

Musée Océanographique de Monaco

Stuck dramatically to the edge of a cliff since 1910, the world-renowned Musée Océanographique de Monaco, founded by Prince Albert I (1848–1922), is a…

Jardin Exotique

Home to the world’s largest succulent and cactus collection, from small echinocereus to 10m-tall African candelabras, the gardens tumble down the slopes…

Monaco Ville, also called Le Rocher, is the only part of Monaco to have retained its original old town, complete with small, windy medieval lanes. The old…

Palais Princier de Monaco

Built as a fortress atop Le Rocher in the 13th century, this palace is the private residence of the Grimaldi family. It is protected by the blue-helmeted,…

Collection de Voitures Anciennes

Starting in the early 1950s, car-mad Prince Rainier amassed an impressive array of over 100 classic automobiles, which he opened to the public in 1993…

Roseraie Princesse Grace

Thoroughly revamped in 2014, this exuberant collection of over 4000 rose bushes – along with the adjacent Parc Fontvieille – stands out in dramatic…

Cathédrale de Monaco

An adoring crowd continually shuffles past Prince Rainier’s and Princess Grace’s flower-adorned graves, located inside the cathedral choir of Monaco's…

Latest stories from Monaco

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Aug 20, 2019 • 2 min read

As July begins, successful, well-attended Pride events are winding down in cities all over the world. With openness and inclusion being at the forefront…

Jul 10, 2019 • 6 min read

Feb 19, 2018 • 4 min read

Nov 23, 2017 • 1 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Monaco

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Monaco with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Monaco Travel Guide

Publisher description.

A place that seems taken out from a fairytale, Monaco charms with attitude and elegance. Often considered a little arrogant of a city-state, Monaco proves every step of the way that it has a strong reason for its arrogance. From the very clean streets to the luxurious cars and boats that seem to be as numerous as the inhabitants, Monaco is an ideal destination for those who prefer stylish holidays. Of course, prices match its privileged position in the economic and tourist map of the world, but a trip to Monaco is an experience that you must try at least once in your life. You will not be necessarily fascinated by the luxury seen on the terraces in the Hercules Port or at the hotels with amazing views, but the story of a small state that has managed to remain independent and prosperous over the course of time. Monaco Travel Guide also includes the mini-travel guides of two incredible destinations on the French Riviera, Eze and Villefranche-sur-Mer. The two small towns will charm you with breathtaking landscapes and an atmosphere so ... French.

More Books Like This

More books by top deals hotel.

Monaco Travel Guides

• Kindle Edition
• Audible Audio Edition
• FREE Shipping
• 4 Stars & Up & Up
• 3 Stars & Up & Up
• 2 Stars & Up & Up
• 1 Star & Up & Up
• Last 30 days
• Last 90 days

• Amazon and Our Planet
• Investor Relations
• Press Releases
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Sell on Amazon Handmade
• Advertise Your Products
• Independently Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon Cash
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns Are Easy
• Manage your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Customer Service
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Interest-Based Ads
• Amazon.com.ca ULC | 40 King Street W 47th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5H 3Y2 |1-877-586-3230

Free shipping on all orders

• North America
• South America
• Middle East
• Australia & Pacific

New Releases

Trending Destinations

Experience Guides

• Outdoor Travels & Adventures
• Epic Guides
• Food & Drink
• Gifts & Inspiration
• Language Guides
• Lonely Planet Kids

Country Guides

Pocket Guides

All Guides & eBooks

• Lonely Planet Insider

Your cart is empty

Pocket Nice & Monaco

This title is only available in eBook at this time. A new edition will be released in May 2024.

• Up-to-date information -  all businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak
• Full-colour  maps and travel photography throughout
• Highlights   and itineraries  help you tailor a trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips  to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info   at your fingertips  - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Honest reviews for all budgets  - eating, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Convenient pull-out Nice & Monaco map  (included in print version), plus over 8 colour neighbourhood maps
• User-friendly layout  with helpful icons, and organised by neighbourhood to help you pick the best spots to spend your time

Covers  Vieux Nice, New Town & Promenade des Anglais, Cimiez, Libération & Vernier, Le Port-Garibaldi, Monaco and more

eBook is available in ePub, MOBI and PDF.

ISBN: 9781788680899

Edition: 2nd

Publication Date: June 2022

Writers: Gregor Clark

160 pages, 160pp color, 8 maps | Dimensions: 106mm × 153mm

Next edition due: May 2024

Which guidebook is right for me?

Country, city & regional guides.

• Top experience collections
• Regional itineraries recommended by experts (from a couple of days to multi-week)
• 3D illustrations and guided tours of key sights
• Extensive coverage of history and culture
• Detailed maps throughout - includes walking maps and a pull-out planning map

EXPERIENCE guides

(country, city & regional).

• Led by local experts that reveal their favorite experiences and hidden gems
• Personal itinerary building tools
• Seasonal planning calendars
• QR codes unlock additional online content

POCKET guides

(city & regional).

• Special features cover most popular sights
• Content organized by neighborhhod
• Recommended 1, 2, 3 and 4-day itineraries
• Guided walking tours

MONACO TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

For a budget traveler like me, Monaco is an interesting country, to say the least.

Monaco is tiny, but it is a giant when it comes to wealth! According to our guide, a third of its population is composed of millionaires, partly because it is a tax haven. (No income taxes!) It is also one of the richest countries in the world per capita. If you divide all its wealth among its residents equally, every single one would be a euro millionaire.

What was I doing in Monaco? Well, one of the perks of being a professional travel blogger is being able to visit countries that I never imagined I would ever set foot in. So there I was — a backpacker in an unremarkable t-shirt-and-shorts ensemble I got from a clearance sale somewhere — surrounded by a parade of Porsches and Ferraris and all things posh. All the while I was daydreaming what it would be like to live here. When our guide said that a 500,000-euro deposit is required, well, that dream died instantly.

Anyway, here’s our budget travel guide to the grand and glitzy Monaco.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING MONACO

Occupying an area of roughly 2 square kilometers, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, next only to the Vatican City. It is one of Europe’s six microstates; the other five are the Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Malta, and Andorra.

Although a sovereign nation, Monaco is practically along the scenic French Riviera. It is lapped up by the blues of the Mediterranean on one side and surrounded by the peaks of France on the other fronts. Its history has been intertwined with France on many points and maintains a special relationship with France especially on customs, defense (military), and some aspects of the economy. Monaco is also very close to the France-Italy border, so don’t be surprised to see some Italian influences seeping in here and there.

Here are more information tidbits about Monaco that you might find useful:

• Time Zone : UTC+1 (Central European Time). Monaco is 7 hours behind the Philippines, Singapore or Malaysia; and 8 hours behind Japan. However, daylight saving time is in effect from the last Sunday of March until the last Sunday of October, which puts it at UTC+2, only 6 hours behind PH, SG, and MY.
• Language : French is the official language. Italian is also spoken by a significant fraction of the population. Monégasque, a dialect of the Ligurian language, is considered “a lenga d’i nostri avi” or the language of the ancestors. It is spoken by some and taught at schools. Street signs are both in French and Monégasque. But you can also get by with English.
• Currency : Euro (EUR, €). €1 is roughly USD 1.19, SGD 1.62, PHP 57.8 (as of August 2020)
• Modes of Payment : Cash is common and international credit cards like Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted.

WHERE TO STAY IN MONACO

While it is possible to spend your nights in Monaco, it may get pretty expensive quick. The cheapest hotel room in high season can only go as low as 200€ per night. Alternatives like apartments are available, but they’re still pretty steep at at least 170€ per night. These may go lower in low season, but still relatively pricey.

Since Monaco is small and can easily be explored in a day or two, most travelers choose to stay in the nearby city of Nice instead and use it as a jump-off point. From there, you can visit Nice DIY-style or you can join one of the guided tours.

TOP MONACO HOTELS & APARTMENTS

Here are the top properties on Booking.com as scored by confirmed customers. These are the ones that are relatively inexpensive. I say “relatively” because some of these are still way too much for a budget traveler are less expensive than the other hotels in the area.

• Hôtel Columbus Monte Carlo. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Fairmont Monte Carlo. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Novotel Monte-Carlo. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Monaco Studio 44. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ambassador-Monaco. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Apartments Monaco. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

TOP NICE HOSTELS

If budget is an issue, consider staying at a hostel in Nice instead. We were stayed at Antares Hostel , which is near the train station so it was easy to reach Monaco.

Here are other hostels in Nice, as ranked by Booking.com customers.

• Hôtel Ozz by Happyculture. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Meyerbeer Beach. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Backpackers Chez Patrick. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Nice Art Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Antares hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

For more options, you can also search Agoda!

Search for more Nice Hotels!

HOW TO GET TO MONACO

Monaco doesn’t have an airport. The closest is the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) , or simply Nice Airport. It is used by over 60 airlines (around 20 seasonally), connecting the French Riviera to dozens of European cities and a few outside the continent.

Search for Cheap Flights!

Nice airport to monaco.

If you’re coming straight from Nice Airport, there are many ways to reach Monaco. The taxi and helicopter are convenient but too costly. Another option is taking the tram to Nice and transfering to the train at the Gare de Nice-Ville.

The easiest is the good old bus, which can take you straight to the airport. The BUS #110 connects the Nice Airport Terminals 1 and 2 to three stops in Monaco:

• Place d’Armes
• Monte-Carlo
• Larvotto Bay Hotel

Check which of the above stops is closest to your hotel. The bus terminates not in Monaco, so make sure you’ll not miss your stop. Otherwise, you might find yourself in Menton, near the Italian Border.

For the full schedule visit this page: BUS 110 TIMETABLE!

If you’ve booked your accommodations in Monaco, check first whether or not your hotel offers airport transfer service.

If you wish to take the tram/train, taxi or even the helicopter, we have a separate post for that here: NICE AIRPORT TO MONACO!

NICE CITY CENTER TO MONACO

If you’re coming from the city center of Nice, you may reach Monaco by taking the bus or the train.

• By Bus. The most popular is BUS 100, which takes one of the most scenic routes in the world. The bus comes from Port Lympia, which is the best place to catch it. It goes all the way to Menton but makes several stops in Monaco including at Place de Moulins and Monte-Carlo. Fare: 1.50€. Travel time: 45 minutes. BUS 100X can also take you to Monaco faster, but the time difference isn’t much and without the views, so BUS 100 is more recommended.
• By Train. To get to Monaco by train, you need to make your way to Gare de Nice-Ville, Nice’s main train station, or Gare de Nice-Riquier. From here, you can board the TER (regional) train to Monte Carlo. It’s the sixth stop from Nice-Ville station or fifth from Riquier. Fare: 4.10€. Travel time: 25 minutes.

You may also reach Monaco by joining a guided group tour from Nice, which I will discuss later in the HOW TO GET AROUND section below.

HOW TO GET AROUND MONACO

Monaco is tiny and scenic, so the best way to explore is on foot . Monte Carlo, in particular, is very walkable. However, Monaco’s terrain is uneven especially around the Exotic Garden and towards the Prince’s Palace, so prepare for some uphill walks. It’s not too difficult but it may be an issue if you’re not that fit. If you’re fine, it’s quite easy to get from one tourist spot to another, as long as you plan your itinerary well.

It’s also possible to rent a bike, which costs 15€ to 50€ per day depending on the type of bicycle. But again, Monaco is hilly, so biking can get strenuous at times.

By Public Transportation

• By Bus. There are five bus routes within Monaco, all operated by Compagnie des Autobus Monaco. It runs from 6am-9pm. Fare is 1.50€ if you buy from the ticket machines (2€ if from the bus driver). A night bus also operates from 10pm-4am.
• By Taxi. First of all, if you’re staying at a hotel, you might want to ask for assistance from the reception in booking a taxi. Cabs don’t stop at passengers on the side of the road. You may book them in advance here . Fare is 15€ within Monaco and 90€ to Nice Airport.

By Group Tour

This is a great option, especially if you’re coming from outside Monaco like Nice. Joining a guided group tour means you’ll not only see a lot of attractions, you’ll also learn so much about each stop and the Monégasque way of life. The guide can also tell you good photo spots!

Several options are available. On Klook, you can book any of these three tours:

By Hop-on Hop-off Bus

If you’re a fan of the HOHO bus, you’ll be glad to know that they operate in Monaco too. This is ideal if you want to be seated comfortably while sightseeing. The Le Grand Tour HOHO bus, which is available on Klook, makes a stop at 16 of the key attractions in Monaco.

An audio-guide, available in 8 languages, is provided, which shares information about each stop. You may also get off if you want to explore a stop further, but you will need to wait for the next bus to get to the next site.

PLACES TO VISIT IN MONACO

Here are some of the key tourist attractions in Monaco.

• Monte Carlo Ca sino , possibly the most well-known of all the attractions in Monaco. It was opened in 1863 to save the House of Grimaldi from going bankrupt, after losing significant chunks of its territory. For over a century, this has been the primary source of income for state and the royal family. Even if you don’t play, you may enter the building and take photos inside.
• Larvotto Beach , Monaco’s most famous seaside strip. Located in the easternmost ward, it is a good spot to soak in the sun, get a tan, wade in the waters or even go people watching.
• Le Jardin Saint Martin (St. Martin Garden), a relaxing spot on the Rock of Monaco. Aside from its Aleppo pine trees, this garden on the Rock of Monaco is best known for the walkways and a statue of Prince Albert I.
• Monaco Cathedral , also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate or Saint Nicholas Cathedral. It was completed in 1903. Inside you’ll find the beautiful marble Episcopal Throne and the Great Altar.
• Palais du Prince (Prince’s Palace), the official residence of the Prince of Monaco. It was initially a Genoese fortress constructed in 1191. Throughout the course of its history, many foreign invaders have attacked it. The Grimaldis took it in the late 1290s and have made it their stronghold for centuries after. Fast forward to today, the Prince of Monaco still calls the palace home. The palace grounds also offer the best view of the Monaco Port (Port Hercules).
• Musée Océanographique de Monaco (Oceanographic Museum), a marine science museum. Housed in a beautiful Baroque-Revival building, it was opened in 1910 by Prince Albert I, who dedicated much of his life to exploration and oceanography.
• Port Hercules , also known as the Port of Monaco being its only deep-water port. Located in the La Condamine district, it takes up much of the state’s coastline. The harbor has been used for centuries as a major port, but its modern era began in 1926. It can shelter up to 700 boats and yachts. It is also quite possibly the most photographed view in Monaco, best seen from the Palace.

These are just some of the attractions in Monaco. For more places to visit and more information about the sites above, visit this post: THINGS TO DO IN MONACO!

SAMPLE MONACO ITINERARY

Because most travelers visit Monaco from Nice as part of a larger French Riviera trip, the sample itinerary below covers these two destinations. For the Monaco leg, this itinerary assumes you’ll be taking the guided group tour from Nice.

If you’re only interested in Monaco, we created a separate, more detailed itinerary here: MONACO ITINERARY!

DAY 1 – ARRIVAL, JEAN MEDECIN 01:35 pm – Arrival at Nice Airport/Station 02:19 pm – Tram to Jean Medecin, 1.50€ 02:50 pm – Walk to hotel 03:10 pm – Hotel check-in, rest 05:00 pm – Explore Avenue Jean Medecin 07:00 pm – Dinner, 15€ 09:00 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 2 – NICE TOUR 10:00 am – Quick brunch, 10€ 10:30 am – Walk to Place Massena 11:00 am – Free Walking Tour – Tip tour guide, 5-7€ – Buy snacks at market, 7€ 02:00 pm – Chill at Castle Hill Park 03:30 pm – Walk along Promenade des Anglais 05:00 pm – Buy gelato from Azzurro/Fenocchio, 5€ 05:30 pm – Explore other parts of Old Town 07:30 pm – Dinner, 20€ 09:00 pm – Walk back to hotel

DAY 4 – DEPARTURE 08:30 am – Pack up 10:30 am – Early check out, leave bags 11:00 am – Early lunch, 10€ 12:00 pm – Leave for airport/train station, 1.50€

If you’re able to book a bed for 40€ per night, the above itinerary will cost you at least EUR 290 (USD 344, SGD 470.5, PHP 16,770) per person excluding airfare and airport taxes but including some allowance to cover incidental expenses, future price movements, and other possible expenses we might have missed.

You can insert this into a greater European itinerary. We didn’t include airfare in the budget because many travelers visit Nice and Monaco on a multi-city tour of Europe and may be coming from various cities, some by train.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do i need a visa to visit monaco.

YES, you need a Schengen visa. Although Monaco is a sovereign state, it has a Customs Union with France, with which it shares all of its land border. Even though Monaco is not part of the Schengen Agreement, it is considered part of the Schengen Area and covered by the Schengen Visa.

If Monaco or France is the only country you are going to visit or if you’re traveling to multiple countries but staying in Monaco or France the longest, you will need to apply for a visa via the French Embassy .

For more information about how to get a visa from the French Embassy, READ: FRENCH SCHENGEN VISA!

Is Monaco safe?

YES, Monaco is one of the safest places in the world. It has a very low crime rate, and it has been decreasing recently.

That said, you should still remain vigilant and keep an eye on your valuables. Because it’s a touristy area, there are petty crimes like pickpocketing and bike theft.

When is the best time to visit Monaco?

Spring and autumn.

The months from June to August are peak season; this is when Monaco’s temperatures are at their hottest, crowds are at their biggest, and prices are at their highest. You’ll have to book weeks in advance to get a room and you have to make restaurant reservations before going.

The most ideal times to visit are during fall from September to November and spring in April. Crowds are not that thick and you can find a room for a reasonable price compared to summer months.

If you want to experience the Monaco Grand Prix, know that it’s held on two weekends in May. But expect the prices of everything to skyrocket during this period.

What is the tipping policy in Monaco?

Tipping is not mandatory in Monaco .

At restaurants, bills usually cover a 15% service charge so no tip is needed. But if your bill does not include this, you should tip 15%.

Is tap water safe to drink in Monaco?

Yes, it’s safe to drink. Like in most places, it may have an aftertaste. But yes, it’s drinkable. It’s just a matter of taste.

What type of power plug / socket is used in Monaco?

Electricity Info : 230 volts, 50 Hz. Common sockets are Type F, which also accept plugs that have two round pins (C and E).

2020 • 8 • 20

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• SINGAPORE: Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2014)
• CAMIGUIN: Budget Travel Guide
• OSAKA AND KYOTO: Budget Travel Guide
• How I Traveled BATANES for Only P6600!
• GILI ISLANDS ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary
• SOUTHEAST ASIA BACKPACKING ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide
• ATHENS TRAVEL GUIDE: Itinerary, Budget, Things to Do
• SAGADA TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary

• Recent Posts

• FLIGHT RESERVATION for VISA • How to Get Dummy Ticket for Schengen, Canada, China and Other Visa Applications - 22 March 2024
• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with List of Covered Destinations - 4 March 2024
• Top 13 FREE Attractions to Enjoy in MACAU - 19 February 2024

Nice post, I want to go to Monaco after all of this Covid.

This article has introduces me to biggest finanical status of the country but also admires the beauty that has been explained in this blog.

Great details for budget travel. I really appreciate the information on top the hostels.

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

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

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

2 Days in Granada: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

One week in Tuscany: Epic 6-7-8 Day Itinerary (First Time Visit)

4 days in Milan: the perfect Itinerary (first time visit)

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Middle East
• North America
• Cheap car rentals: my best advice
• Back to Homepage

for Solo Travel Over 50

MONACO SOLO TRAVEL GUIDE

Know before you go monaco travel guide 2024 plan and book your monaco solo travel, about monaco, languages in monaco, monégasque culture, popular activities in monaco, monégasque currency, tipping in monaco, monaco holidays, travel documents for monaco / france, vaccinations for monaco, electronics for monaco, cyber security while traveling, south of france, cheap flights to nice, monaco places to stay, getting around monaco, things to do in monaco, air travel tips, ground transportation, accommodation tips, eco-friendly things to do, eco-travel products, before you go, safety in monaco, best time to visit monaco, budget accommodations, best time to book travel.

This page may contain affiliate links for your convenience. For products, the goal is to first provide direct links to eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable companies, and then to those same type (i.e., Climate Pledge Friendly Certification ), of brands that use Amazon, if possible. Therefore, you may see multiple links for one option. Should you make a purchase through any link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclaimers & Disclosures and Privacy Policy for more information.

Like this? Share it with others!

BIENVENUE EN MONACO!

Hi! I’m Gwen, and my passion is using my 28 years of solo global travel and sustainability knowledge and experience to help the solo over 50’s be and stay adventurous through solo travel with their eco-friendly, responsible travel foot forward. Here is my guide Monaco solo travel, all from my solo travel in Monaco, so you can book and realize your solo trip to Monaco. What are you waiting for?

MONACO: DID YOU KNOW?

Monaco – commonly referred to as the “Billionaire’s Playground”, is a sovereign city-state on the French Riviera and the second smallest (smaller than New York City’s Central Park) country in the world. Monaco is home to the fairytale Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace Kelly story, and more millionaires per square mile than any other country (1 in 3 residents are millionaires).

Monaco has the second highest GDP per capita, the highest average life expectancy rate and zero-poverty rate (of course, with that kinda money), the most expensive housing market per square foot, the Monte Carlo Casino where only non-residents can gamble (residents are forbidden by law to gamble), and holds lavish events such as the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show. You get the point.

The official language in Monaco is French, which is spoken by 58% of Monégasques, followed by 17% of Monégasques speaking Ligurian (an Italian dialect), and 15% speaking an Occitan dialect. English, of course, is also commonly used.

Officially the Principality of Monaco, Monaco is now a sovereign city-state and micro-state located on the French Riviera. Originally founded by the Lingurians, it was re-founded in 1228 as a colony of Genoa. Monaco was later captured by French Revolutionary forces in 1793 and remained under French control until 1814. After its 1911 constitution declared the princes of Monaco absolute rulers, Monaco was taken by the Italians in WWII and ruled under a fascist administration until a new, and more liberal, constitution was established in 1962. In 1993, Monaco became a member of the United Nations.

Since 1911, Monaco has been governed as a constitutional monarchy with the Crown Prince as chief of state and a Minister of State presiding over a Council of Government responsible for social, internal and external affairs, the environment, health, finance and the economy.

The people of Monaco are called Monégasques (or Monegasques). There are strong Italian and French influences on culture. Approximately 16% of the the less than 40,000 claim Monégasque descent.

Roman Catholicism is the official religion in Monaco, but other religions practiced include Anglican Church, Greek Orthodox Church, Protestantism, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism.

Monaco’s education system is well structured to match international standards and its curriculum closely follows France’s system.

The Monégasques enjoy a robust, public health system as well as private healthcare.

French cuisine, desserts, beverages and wine have a major influence in Monaco. Most dishes are based on fresh seafood, fish, and vegetables, olive oil, rice, pastries, and cheese.

Enjoying milder temperatures year-round, Monégasques enjoy outdoor sporting activities like golf, rugby, tennis and football.

They also enjoy activities like beach-going and swimming, boating, shopping, traveling, dining out, and enjoy socializing in cultural, artistic and musical events as well as over food, wine, and coffee and pastries like the French.

Monaco is well known for its Monaco Music Film Festival held annually in Monte Carlo . Monaco also experiences other yearly festivals .

MONACO TRAVEL PLANNING

Monaco uses the Euro (€). Exchange rates are usually favorable for Europeans but could fluctuate in the other direction.

Traveling in a new country is easier when you know the country’s tipping etiquette in advance as each country has its own rules. That said, country rules and norms can shift, so here is an international tipping resource for over 70 countries to use as a general guideline that I have found is constantly updated. 

What’s not on there is how to tip a concierge, beauty salons or spas, travel or tour guides, etc. For these extras, it is acceptable to tip 10% at minimum. Remember, tipping is for good service only.

Additionally, you should always tip in the local currency (if tipping in cash), and do not be offended if your tip is refused as it may not be the norm. I feel it’s always better to offer a tip for good service than not, unless I know it will be considered offensive, like in Japan.

It’s a complete bummer to spend time and money on the holiday of a lifetime only to show up at a key attraction, or try to access travel or banking resources, only to find them closed due to a national or local holiday.

Therefore, a key activity to do in your early Monaco vacation planning stage is to know the local and national holidays in Monaco .

MONACO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

From the U.S., you will need a valid passport with an expiration date greater than 6 months from your return date to the U.S. It is advised to always check the U.S. State Department in advance of traveling to Monaco for pertinent, up-to-date Monaco travel advisories and information. If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.

At this time (October 2023), a travel visa is not required for U.S. citizens who travel in Monaco 90 days or less and within a 180-day period. However, in mid-2025 it is expected that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETAIS) will go into effect that is designed to strengthen European borders and streamline entry. At that time, a printed ETAIS visa waiver (the “ETAIS”) will be required to enter the Schengen Area for tourist, business or transit purposes of 90 days or less. You will be able to apply online for the ETAIS visa waiver , which will also require a fee (7 EUR). Requirements for an ETAIS are available now. Watch for ETAIS updates if you are planning to solo travel to Monaco in 2025.

If you are not from the U.S., please check if your country is on the ETAIS list indicating whether you are required to obtain an ETAIS or a Schengen Visa .

Choose from Top Travel Document Holders

There are normally no vaccinations required for Monaco. The U.S. State Department provides up-to-date required vaccination information for traveling to Monaco. It is advised to always check for any Monaco travel restrictions and required vaccinations during your planning stage and again before you leave.

If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.

MONACO TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Want to use your 110V electronics while traveling around Monaco? Monaco’s voltage is 230V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you do not already have electronics (hair dryer, clippers, curling iron, etc.) made for Monaco’s voltage, you will need to bring a voltage converter to use your electronics. Below are top-rated power converters for you to compare and buy.

Choose the Converter That’s Right For You

Most smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras and similar electronics don’t require a converter (double-check your device(s) before you leave home), but you will still need a plug adapter.

Traveling to Monaco, Type C, E, and F adapters will fit Monaco’s electronic outlets. I recommend bringing at least one of each adapter type accepted. I do not recommend using those single adapters for 100+ countries. They have been known to break and/or cause a power short.

Be prepared before you visit Monaco. Bring a solid, reliable, and grounded power adapter to safely charge your electronics in Monaco. Below are top-rated U.S. (Type A and B) to Monaco power adapter options, from the only brand I travel with, for you to compare and buy.

Choose the Monaco Adapter That’s Right for You

Type c adapters.

Type E/F Adapters

If you are going to another country in addition to your trip to Monaco, check this international travel adapter guide to make sure you’re prepared.

Having a virtual private network (VPN) service and portable WiFi is always a good idea to not just stay connected, but stay connected securely in your hotel and all public spaces, like airports, train stations, and restaurants.

• Portable WiFi Hotspot for Travel: Experience seamless connectivity with the Solis Lite, your pocket-friendly companion that offers secure and reliable mobile WiFi hotspot coverage in over 135...
• SIMO’s virtual, multi-carrier network, includes all the major carriers, so you can work, learn, or play from anywhere. Stay connected domestically or abroad with your personal Wi-Fi hotspot and...
• Built-in 4700 mAh Power Bank: Stay online all day with 16+ hours of battery life in your Solis Wi-Fi hotspot. Keep all your gadgets charged on-the-go.

• Perfect Case for SIMO Solis Lite 4G LTE WiFi Mobile Hotspot
• Featured Design: Strong compact light weight case, the round square design best matching the round shape of the Solis and making it easy to in and out of the case
• Assured Protection: Semi-hard carrying case protecting the device from shock, shake, scratch. PEVA materials with pressure or hit absorbing and water resistant. The round square design make it best to...

GUIDES & ITINERARIES

Use my solo travel guides, itineraries, travel tips, day trip ideas, and recommended things to do in Monaco, all from my travel in Monaco, to plan your best Monaco solo travel.

The more I travel in Monaco, the more that gets added to this Monaco Travel Guide. Keep checking back.

South of France in 3 Days Itinerary Without a Car

Best things to do in monaco, how to book monaco travel.

It’s important to book the top three travel necessities early : flights, accommodations and ground transportation.

No travel Monaco guide would be complete without the booking tools below. These, along with fun Monaco things to do and ecotourism ideas , will allow you to realize your solo trip to Monaco.

The closest airport to Monaco is Nice Côte d’Azur airport (NCE) in France. With the ever-growing demand for airline tickets to Nice, France, flights book quicker these days. Find cheap flights to Nice now .

Don’t Wait to Book Your Flight to Nice

Second in importance to buying airline tickets to Nice is finding the best place to stay in Monaco for your solo travel to Monaco. Develop your Monaco travel itinerary now and find the best accommodations in Monaco to knock one more item off your Monaco travel planning list.

Find the Best Solo Travel Accommodations in Monaco

Monaco does not have Uber, but it has Carpoolworld and possible regional ridesharing services and apps (research in advance if they are in your destination area).

There are also taxis, of course, and you can easily find a rental car if that better suits your Monaco solo travel itinerary.

Find the Best Deals on Monaco Rental Cars

Monaco also part of Europe’s incredible bus and train network, so getting around and booking transportation is easy.

Here are some more of the top things to do in Monaco to book for your solo Monaco trip.

Best Day Trips from Monaco

Monaco eco-travel ideas.

There are ways to reduce your eco and carbon footprint through air travel, accommodations, tours, and activities in Monaco. To help avoid greenwashing businesses, here are some eco-friendly or sustainable travel (also called responsible travel) tips and resources, you can use to book your travel.

Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2.

Purchase carbon offsets throu gh your airline  or through a third party, like MyClimate.org, Carbonfund.org , or terrapass . Carbon offsetting allows you to buy a certificate to reduce carbon emissions, a major contributor to climate change, which in turn contribute community projects across countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The best eco-friendly forms of ground transportation in Monaco are public transportation, walking, or renting a bicycle or electric scooter . They are also apt to cost less than other ground transportation.

Explore Monaco Bike and Electric Scooter Rentals

Try to avoid renting a car in Monaco or France by using the amazingly convenient and inexpensive buses and/or trains .

Look for accommodations with the following self and third-party assessed certifications when you book:

Green Globe – Green Globe certifies hotels, resorts, conference centers, transportation, attractions, tour operators, and other tourism businesses globally on sustainable operations and management. Look for Monaco and other European Green Global members .

Green Key Global is an internationally recognized environmental certification for the lodging and meetings industries, including hotels and hostels, campsites and holiday parks, restaurants and attractions in 65 countries. Search for Green Key awarded sites.

Living Building Challenge – if you want to stay in a true, sustainable building, find one certified by the Living Building Challenge. LBC’s certification directory shows all project types globally. Hopefully they will put in a filter soon to allow searching by hotels or hospitality type.

LEED Certified – the USGBC’s LEED Certified label on buildings, like many of the Marriott’s hotels , are those that have verifiably employed multiple and varying green building strategies to improve human and environmental health. Search the LEED directory for Monaco certifications .

Green Lodging Program – Audubon International has an environmental stewardship certification through third-party verification. Search its certified members directory .

GSTC Certified – the Global Sustainable Tourism Council provides global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, as well as international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies. Booking sites that offer GSTC certified sustainable are bookdifferent , EcoHotels , and Transat .

Another way to find an establishments implementing eco-friendly or sustainable practices, certified or not, is through Booking.com  in which you’ll need to find and review each establishment’s ‘Sustainable Initiatives’ within the booking process. Starting 2022, however, you’ll be able to filter searches for accommodations with the Travel Sustainable badge .

Find Your Travel Sustainable Stay in Monaco

Monaco has ecotourism ideas available to explore for your next vacation.

Search Green Global and Green Key awarded members for eco-friendly activity providers in Monaco. Some may also have the GSTC Certified logo.

Top Eco Friendly Activities in Monaco

There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel, like bringing sustainable and eco-friendly products to protect Monaco’s environment. 

There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel. Read my 10 Easy Eco-Travel Tips and view my suggested Eco Travel Resources to learn more.

MONACO TRAVEL SAFETY

Always consult your government’s Monaco travel advisory for your Monaco travel in the beginning travel planning phase and up to your departure date.

Buy Monaco travel insurance and international medical insurance for your solo travel to Monaco to protect yourself and cover for emergencies.

The south of France has been known to have acts of terrorism, and Monaco is its neighbor. Please consult your government’s travel advisory site in your planning phase.

If there is no advisory, there is nothing I can recall from Monaco making it more of a “safety concern” than traveling in my own home country. Crime such as vandalism, theft and drug dealing in Monaco is low. So, my standard tips for female and solo travelers are:

• always carry photo ID with you; if you don’t want your passport on you at all times, at least carry a copy of it.
• always be “street wise”.
• always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you feel the need to imbibe or feel the need to “let loose” – you’re on vacation so have fun!
• never leave your food or drink unattended.
• keep your belongs on your person, or at least in your view in close proximity, at all times.
• be open to meeting and talking with new people – that is where a lot of the travel experience lies – but be careful on how you divulge personal information.
• research places in advance, if possible, so you know what to expect (i.e., “have a familiar view” – I like to Google the street view of new addresses I’m going to first).
• if something, someone or someplace makes you feel uncomfortable, go with your gut – leave.

MONACO BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS

If France can be pricey, put Monaco on top of that. However, that’s not to say you can’t find budget accommodations (at least close by), try local foods, or hit some great site seeing and entertainment on a budget.  Monaco is a country I would a little planning on if you are on a budget. 

Like other countries in Europe, Monaco’s high, tourist season, and most expensive time, is the summer (June to August) – expect crowds to be heavy and prices to go up! 

Crowds are not as heavy in the spring (April and May) and Fall (September to October), where prices are better than the summer season. The least expensive time to go to Monaco would be November to March. 

Staying in hostels could save you a lot of money on accommodations, especially if you stay in a dorm-style room. Save more money by booking well in advance. Unfortunately, there are no hostels in Monaco, but there are hostels in Nice, which is very close by.

Some Nice hostels also offer private rooms, which I choose from time to time. Private rooms in hostels could possibly be cheaper than hotels in Nice or Monaco – it depends on where you stay and how far in advance you reserve.

Don’t overlook exploring hostels in Nice if you’re on a budget.

Reserve Your Nice Hostel

Ready to book your solo travel to Monaco? The sooner you book your reservations, the more you’re likely to save money and get the best flight, accommodation, and rental car choices and deals.

Don’t miss out and find the best Nice flight deals deals . The best time to book travel is now. Bundling flight, hotel and/or transportation reservations may even save you more money on your trip to Monaco.

Do You Know What Flights and Hotels Cost for Monaco?

Personal story.

Call me silly, but of all things to do in Monaco, my top Monaco bucket list item was to gamble in the Monte Carlo Casino . I don’t gamble that much. It must have been all of those James Bond movies. Whatever. It’s a beautiful building, and I just had to do it when I spent three days the south of France .

The thought of drinking free champagne while playing roulette, surrounded by opulent decor for an evening, just couldn’t be passed up. Every time I clapped when I won 10 Euros, the roulette croupier would just laugh at me. I was such a tourist, but I could tell he was getting a kick out of me, and I didn’t care. It was worth the experience. 

Sometimes we have to just live for the moment, no matter how silly it seems.  Now I just have to go back and experience more of what Monaco has to offer .  What an area.

Fodor’s Provence & the French Riviera

Written by locals, Fodor’s travel guides have been offering expert advice for all tastes and budgets for 80 years. The darlings of French tourism, Provence and the French Riviera have always been beautiful destinations attracting everyone from the rich and […]

• Fodor's Travel Guides

French Riviera Made Easy

On the French Riviera, you’ll discover pastel-colored villas with red tile roofs looking down on the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Some come for the savory cuisine and wonderful wines, while others visit quiet villages to get away from […]

• Andy Herbach

French Riviera, Marco Polo Pocket Travel Guide

Explore the French Riviera with this handy, pocket-sized, authoritative guide, packed with Insider Tips. Discover boutique hotels, authentic restaurants, the region s trendiest places, and get tips on shopping and what to do on a limited budget. There are plenty […]

Le Petit Futé

A glamorous, well-known destination, travellers come from all over the world to soak up the Monégasque splendour and dream in front of the luxurious villas and legendary palaces in Monte-Carlo. People also flock here to experience international events such as […]

Lonely Planet Pocket, Nice & Monaco

Lonely Planet’s Pocket Nice & Monaco is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Wander the famous Promenade des Anglais, get lost in the winding alleyways of Nice’s […]

• Lonely Planet

Monaco & Nice Travel Guide – Attractions, Eating, Drinking, Shopping & Places To Stay

Tourists have long enjoyed the sunshine and the French “joie de vivre” in Nice, the elegant city on the French Riviera. The city is the second-most visited tourist destination in France with four million arrivals a year. Its Mediterranean beaches […]

• Brendan Kavanagh

Monaco Travel Guide – Sightseeing, Hotel, Restaurant & Shopping Highlights

Adjacent to the French Riviera in the South of France, the small, exclusive country of Monaco offers a touch of elegance and a taste of the high life. Monaco has elegant hotels, world-class casinos, captivating gardens, museums and shopping centers. […]

• Grace Burke

Monaco Travel Guide (Quick Trips Series): Sights, Culture, Food, Shopping & Fun

The Quick Trips to France Series provides key information about the best sights and experiences if you have just a few days to spend in the exciting destination of Monaco. So don’t waste time! We give you sharp facts and […]

• Crystal Stewart

Monaco Travel Guide: eBook by FrenchRiviera.Travel

With this Monaco Travel Guide you can comfortably visit all the major attractions of Monaco. Inside you will find, among others:– up to 49 pages of content!– map of Monaco with the attractions of the principality,– descriptions and photos of […]

• Tomasz Bobrowski

Monaco, Monte Carlo Information Tourism: Travel Guide, Early History, Economy, Culture and Tradition

Monaco, Monte Carlo Information Tourism. Travel Guide, Early History, Economy, Culture and Tradition. From the multi-million pound yachts glinting in Monte Carlo harbour, to the endless flow of golden champagne, Monaco oozes privilege. Celebrities flock to this Mediterranean members-only club, […]

• Bobby Chapman

Moon French Riviera: Nice, Cannes, Monaco & Saint-Tropez

Artists’ enclaves, vast pine forests, and architectural gems: discover the Côte d’Azur you don’t know with Moon French Riviera. Inside you’ll find: Flexible itineraries including 1-2 days in Nice, 2 days in Monaco, and 2 days in Cannes Strategic advice for art lovers, […]

Provence & the Cote D’Azur

The guide that shows you what other travel books only tell you! Featuring over 800 full-color photographs, experience the best of Provence, France’s sun-blessed southeast corner in DK’s Eyewitness Travel Guide: Provence and the Cote D’azur. Includes overviews of Bouches-Du-Rhone […]

The Magic Principality: A Pocket Guide to Monaco-Monte Carlo

• Eringer Travel Guide

• Discussions
• Reading Challenge
• Kindle Notes & Highlights
• Favorite genres
• Friends’ recommendations
• Account settings

Books by Monaco Books

Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.

The best hotels in Monaco, the jet-set’s ultimate enclave

The Bazaar edit of Monte-Carlo hotels for summering like the super-rich

The principality spans two square kilometres of the Côte d’Azur, with Menton around the next curve of coastline and Nice to the west, and is the world's second-smallest sovereign state (after Vatican City). Monte-Carlo is one of its districts, centred on the Place du Casino.

If yacht-spotting at the harbour isn’t going to cut it, other activities include tours of the Prince’s Palace, strolls around the Exotic Garden and seeing an exhibition at the Grimaldi Forum.

Just outside of Monte-Carlo in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is Claridge’s high-gloss little sister, Maybourne Riviera , which is built into the cliffs and has a spectacular view over Monaco and the Riviera from its heady perch.

Right in the centre of town, Hôtel Metropole is one of our favourite Monte-Carlo hotels – and not just because the late, legendary Karl Lagerfeld designed its pool space. In time for last summer's season, it unveiled a new restaurant, with a chef trained by Joël Robuchon running the show.

Down by the shore, Monte-Carlo Beach is where to head for laid-back lounging in the almost-guaranteed Riviera sunshine, with trips to its Club La Vigie for equally languorous lunches. Read on for more of the best hotels in Monaco…

Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo

Monaco may not be especially good at understated luxury, but somewhere that excels at it is the family-owned Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo , tucked away next to the shopping centre of the same name and just steps from Place du Casino. The hotel curates ‘Just For You’ experiences for its guests, which have included private views at the Prince’s Palace after its doors have closed to the public to have its 16th-century frescoes all to yourselves; and guided tours of Cap Moderne, accessible only by the Roquebrune-Cap-Martin coastal path.

It is home to the Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Yoshi, along with Les Ambassadeurs by Christophe Cussac, which opened in 2023 as a revival of the hotel's Twenties restaurant of the same name. Cussac trained alongside the renowned French chef Joël Robuchon, so you can expect to dine extremely well. And the setting is just as refined – the restaurant was designed by renowned French designer Jacques Garcia.

The Maybourne Riviera

For a taste of Claridge’s with slightly better weather, simply head to the Maybourne Riviera , the hotel group’s first foray into Continental Europe. Along with its iconic properties in London, which also include the Connaught, the Berkeley and the soon-to-open Emory, the luxurious collection consists of this sleek Côte d'Azur retreat and the equally A-list-approved Maybourne Beverly Hills. The glossy glass structure sits at the edge of a cliff above Monaco, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Some of the most incredible panoramas of this hallowed coastline can be enjoyed from its poolside restaurant La Piscine by Jean-Georges and Le 300 bar, which has walls of windows to ensure everyone gets a good view. The rows of orange sunloungers only serve to make the setting even more photogenic.

At La Piscine, the menu includes sharing starters such as calamari with salsa verde and tuna tartare with hummus, followed by lobster rolls, crab pasta or roasted sea-bass – plus there’s a wood-fired oven ready to cook the chef’s signature pizzas should you be in need of something a little heartier.

Monte-Carlo Beach

Down at the water’s edge, Monte-Carlo Beach is the Monaco hotel if you want to be a little away from the action – specifically, next to a huge Mediterranean-facing pool. Also on hand for long, lazy beach days is the Club La Vigie, ready to dispense chilled rosé and seafood lunches when it’s eventually time to leave your sunlounger. For the most seclusion, book one of the beach bungalows that are surrounded by pine-trees.

You're never far from a fabled history in this glamorous part of the world, which has long been favoured by holidaying luminaries, from F Scott Fitzgerald to Coco Chanel. A case in point is Maona, an open-air cabaret restaurant at the hotel ensuring that the principality’s starry past is alive and well – it’s named after Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis, who created the original club in 1962.

Monte-Carlo Bay

Sister property to Monte-Carlo Beach , Monte-Carlo Bay hotel has views of the Mediterranean in most directions, including from several of the rooms, so be sure to book wisely. The glamorous cocktail bar is where to head for more uplifting sea views, before fine-dining suppers at Blue Bay, with yet more coastal panoramas on display if you eat out on the terrace. The restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars, making it one of the finest places to eat in this millionaire's playground where, naturally, there's lots of competition.

There’s a Cinq Mondes spa with a hair salon attached to ensure that you’re looking as well turned out as the locals. The vast grounds along the peninsula feature waterfalls, solariums, a lagoon and a pool.

Hôtel Hermitage

If you're coming to Monaco to partake in the quintessential Monégasque activities (that is, watching the Grand Prix and gambling in a casino), this Belle Epoque beauty is the Monte-Carlo hotel for you. Hôtel Hermitage occupies a prime spot on the Place du Casino in the heart of the principality, especially good news for people- and car-watching. So if you have timed your visit to coincide with the spectacular annual event that is the Grand Prix, the hotel’s Midi Terrace is where to head – it's a prime spot with hard-to-beat views of the track. If boats are more your thing, you can spy the port and its inevitable array of anchored super-yachts, too.

The hotel shares the vast Thermes Marins Spa with equally grand next-door neighbour Hôtel de Paris. And for further serenity, simply locate the winter garden.

Hôtel de Paris

If the casino is where you’re planning on spending most of your time while in Monaco, Hôtel de Paris is your ideal Monte-Carlo hotel, since it’s right on the central square and inside one of the principality’s most iconic buildings.

Unsurprisingly, it has regal suites named after (and fit for) royalty – the Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III Suites are some of the grandest in the South of France. Equally majestic is the hotel’s Alain Ducasse restaurant, Le Louis XV, which has three Michelin stars, an opulent dining room in which to enjoy its artful cuisine and a wine cellar containing some 400,000 bottles. At the rooftop pool, you can stake out a cabana and admire the sparkling sea in the distance. Also not to be missed are the live jazz nights at Le Bar Américain, which bring back a little Golden Age glamour.

Hotel Columbus

Thanks to its famous annual race (arguably the most iconic of all of the Grands Prix around the globe), Monaco is inextricably linked with Formula One, so if you want to immerse yourself in motor-racing during your visit, check in to Hotel Columbus , which was bought by David Coulthard in 2001. He soon turned around the existing hotel, creating an alternative to Monaco’s many grandes dames . It has since been acquired again but racing drivers and their teams regularly come to stay – former guests have included Jenson Button, Kimi Raikkonen and Damon Hill. Facilities include a kids’ club and a heated outdoor pool, and the hotel is also home to Tavolo, a Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Princess Grace Rose Garden.

Le Méridien Beach Plaza

If proximity to a sandy shore is a dealbreaker for you when selecting holiday accommodation, book a stay at Le Méridien Beach Plaza , which is Monaco’s only hotel with a private beach. It may be down by the shore, but it's also within a 10-minute walk of Place du Casino if you're feeling lucky. Activities on offer at the hotel include jet-skiing and parasailing, or you can simply swim in the Mediterranean or in either of the two pools. Book a room with a terrace to ensure the best views of Monte-Carlo and beyond. And in the summer, don’t miss a lunch out on the pine-fringed, sea-facing terrace at Muse. Come nightfall, you can dine under the stars and a DJ is on hand to soundtrack the sunsets. The hotel is also home to Monaco's first Belgian brasserie, where, yes, mussels and waffles do feature.

Our verdict on the luxe version of Airbnb

The best luxury luggage to invest in now

A luxury guide to Umbria's hotels

Nobu announces residency portfolio

Luxury Munich hotels for a Bavarian city break

The ultimate California road trip

Why you need to visit Folkestone

London's most luxurious hotels

The luxury guide to Bordeaux

The 50 most beautiful destinations in the world

The best luxury staycations in the UK

Advertisement

Supported by

‘Travels’ Review: A Sonic Flight From Heartbreak

In his new show, James Harrison Monaco blends storytelling and electronic beats in service of curiosity and escape.

• Share full article

By Naveen Kumar

Some ride-share passengers are content to wear headphones and gaze out the window. But anywhere that James Harrison Monaco goes, including the back seat of a Lyft, presents an opportunity to zero in on someone else’s story.

In the first segment of “Travels,” Monaco’s new autobiographical show that opened at Ars Nova in Manhattan on Monday, the playwright and performer tells the audience that he was itching to talk on a recent ride from the Los Angeles airport when the driver handed him an audio cable so he could put on music, opening the door to conversation. Their exchange, Monaco says breathlessly, peeled off like a speeding car.

Monaco’s dogged curiosity, and affinity for electronic beats, propels much of this uneven 90-minute show, for which he also composed the Miami Beach-meets-Berlin underscore. Monaco’s opening anecdote, the first in a series of eight, introduces the sense of possibility he feels when he is in transit, the inquisitiveness he brings to bear on others and his amorphous concept of music as a medium for storytelling.

Eager and bespectacled, Monaco is the first-person voice in each account, but he shares narrating duties with three performers — El Beh, Ashley De La Rosa and Mehry Eslaminia — who take turns recalling his encounters with a handful of people he’s found fascinating over the past several years, both at home and abroad. This layering effect in the performances is echoed in the backbeats and crescendos that a head-bobbing Monaco generates, in collaboration with the instrumentalist John Murchison, from behind an onstage table full of D.J. equipment (the set is by Diggle).

Considering how often Monaco draws attention to his called-off marriage engagement, it would not be unfair to categorize “Travels” as a breakup album. (The project is also a departure for Monaco from his artistic partnership with Jerome Ellis , who contributed additional music.) Reeling from heartache, Monaco seems to search for meaning and solace in the far graver misfortunes of a friend referred to as “R,” a political prisoner turned asylum seeker and the show’s most revisited subject.

“Perhaps all pain is comparable in the end,” Monaco recalls R telling him of their wholly incomparable struggles.

That dissonance is also evidenced in the way Monaco pairs music and language, not with the scansion of a songwriter but with the urgent insistence of someone who has a lot to say. (Monaco is also a translator, and some passages are spoken in Spanish with English supertitles.) A consistent, mid-tempo pulse signals intensity and momentum, and Murchison plays beautifully on string instruments with origins in the Middle East (Monaco shares credit on orchestrations and arrangements with Or Matias; sound design is by Nick Kourtides). But the score’s lack of variation feels like a missed opportunity, as with a stop at a reggaeton club oddly devoid of reggaeton’s distinctive punch.

Passages rendered in talk-singing also suffer from maintaining a fixed register, despite the dexterity that De La Rosa and Eslaminia, in particular, bring to that uneasy endeavor.

The director Andrew Scoville’s production has a maximalist ’90s aesthetic that tends toward overstimulation: projections by Stefania Bulbarella that recall graphic Trapper Keepers, pattern-rich costumes by Sarita Fellow and party lighting by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew awash in pinks, blues and yellows. It’s a fun, immersive vehicle for a journey more about restlessness than about any particular destination.

The tightly controlled experience of “Travels” can feel both illuminating and unnerving: stories you might absorb at your own pace if not for the unrelenting beats; music you might groove along to if not for the flurry of words. Enjoyment may depend on what type of passenger you tend to be.

Travels Through April 20 at Ars Nova, Manhattan; arsnovanyc.com . Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes.

• Book a Flight
• Manage Reservations
• Explore Destinations
• Flight Schedules
• Track Checked Bags
• International Travel
• Flight Offers
• Low Fare Calendar
• Upgrade My Flight
• Add EarlyBird Check-In
• Check Travel Funds
• Buy Carbon Offsets
• Flying with Southwest
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Points for Hotels
• More Than Hotels
• Hotel Offers
• Best Rate Guarantee
• Rapid Rewards Partners
• Book a Vacation Package
• Manage My Vacation
• Vacation Package Offers
• Vacation Destinations
• Why Book With Us?
• FLIGHT STATUS
• CHANGE FLIGHT

Enter code SAVE25NOW in the Promo Code box when booking. Offer is valid only for continental U.S. flights. The 25 percent promotion code savings are valid for one-way or round trip Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares booked with Rapid Rewards points during the Booking Period, flown during the Travel Period, and are applied before taxes and fees. Seats and days are limited. Savings are reflected in the price when entering the multiuse code SAVE25NOW in the Promo Code box on Southwest.com and swabiz.com. This discount is only available through Southwest.com and swabiz.com. Discount is valid on new reservations only. Discount will apply only for flights booked during the Booking Period and flown on the dates within the Travel Period. If one segment of the trip is outside the Travel Period and one is within the Travel Period, only the portion of travel falling within the Travel Period will be discounted. Changes made to the itinerary after purchase will eliminate qualification for this promotion. The discount is only valid with the provided promotion code and is not combinable with other promotion codes or fares. All reward travel is subject to taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges of at least $5.60 per one-way trip. Applicable taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges can vary significantly based on your arrival and departure destination. The payment of any taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges is the responsibility of the Passenger and must be paid at the time reward travel is booked with a credit card, flight credit, or Southwest gift card. When traveling on reward travel, you will receive all fare product features except for earning Rapid Rewards points. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in points used. Points bookings are subject to change until ticketed. If you cancel your reservation at least ten (10) minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight, any remaining unused points will be returned to your Rapid Rewards account. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms . Offer is not redeemable for cash, and may not be used in conjunction with other special offers, or toward the purchase of a gift card or previously booked flight, or changed to a previously booked flight. Discount is not valid on group travel, Southwest Vacations®, and government fares.

Help Center

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell/Share My Info

© 2024 Southwest Airlines Co. All Rights Reserved.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises is offering monumental savings on sailings to warm weather destinations starting at less than $200 per person.

The sale, which was extended and must be booked by April 18, offers cruises starting at just $179 per person, according to MSC. The sale rate is based on double occupancy and does not include the taxes, fees, or port expenses.

Travelers who take advantage of this deeply-discounted rate can sail on three and four night journeys from Miami for just $179, or from Orlando starting at just $189, MSC shared with Travel + Leisure .

“It’s a great opportunity, whether you’re curious about cruising for the first time or you’re an avid cruiser looking to book your next sailing,” Koreen McNutt, the senior vice president and commercial sales officer for MSC Cruises USA, told T+L. “These quick getaways let guests discover everything we have to offer from world-class onboard entertainment and outstanding family programming to a variety of delicious dining venues and wonderful amenities. Plus, these short cruises all visit our private island in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, with beautiful white-sand beaches and pristine water brimming with vibrant marine life.” 

The sale also includes MSC’s cruises from Galveston , which the company plans to introduce as its newest homeport in the United States in 2025. The cruise line expects to sail 7-night trips to Mexico and Central America on the MSC Seascape out of Galveston, which start at just $459 per person during the sale.

In addition, MSC is offering savings on its newest ship, the MSC World America , which the company plans to launch next year complete with a thrilling over-water swing ride, 13 different restaurants, an 11-deck-high dry slide, and more. Cruises on this ship start at just $649 per person as part of the sale.

“Cruising offers an unbeatable value proposition for vacations and we’re offering more itinerary options from a larger selection of embarkation ports than ever before, which makes it even easier for more people to discover what MSC Cruises is all about,” McNutt added.

Beyond the cruise fare, MSC is offering the option for travelers to add a drink package and Wi-FI to their booking starting at just $329.