Monaco travel guide
Monaco Tourism | Monaco Guide
You're Going to Love Monaco
Immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Monaco. Take advantage of the fine dining opportunities along with a bit of celebrity-spotting as you relax at one of the many outdoor cafes along the waterfront.
What to do in Monaco
1. Visit Monaco Cathedral
Built between 1875 and 1903, this white stone cathedral, with its marble Episcopal throne, is the resting place of several members of the House of Grimaldi as well as Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer III.
2. Relax on the Beach
Larvotto is one of the most popular (and free to the public) beaches in Monaco. It is within walking distance of Monte Carlo and is good for all ages as the sea is shallow and calm.
3. Place a Bet at the Casino
Treat yourself to an evening in the most upmarket area of Monaco which, in addition to being home to the Monte Carlo Casino, has all the trendiest and most luxury hotels, restaurants and bars in the principality.
4. Enjoy the Grand Prix
Famous for its treacherous Grand Prix route through the streets, Monaco draws Formula 1 fans from all over the world during the season in May when the country becomes car crazy.
5. Smell the Roses
Set within Fontvieille Park, The Princess Grace Rose Garden was commissioned by Prince Rainier III to commemorate his wife Princess Grace. Established originally in 1984, the garden now has around 6,000 rose bushes.
When to visit Monaco
April and October are the best times to visit Monaco as this is just outside the high season, but the weather is still pleasant with average temperatures of between 60-70°F. Although temperatures are hot in summer and the country is crowded, June to August is the most festive time to visit.
How to Get to Monaco
Entry requirements
Travelers from the US and Canada will not need to have a visa to visit Monaco for a period of less than 90 days but the passport should be valid for at least three months after departure from the Schengen Zone. European Union citizens can travel freely to Monaco.
Plane
The nearest international airport to Monaco is Nice Côte de Azure, in France, which is around 14 mi away, and there is a bus service directly from Nice to Monaco. Air France, Norwegian, Delta Air Lines and budget carrier easyJet all fly into Nice Airport.
Train
Train services to Monaco are operated by the French railway company SNCF and there are services from Nice in the west and Menton (to the east of Monaco). There is also a train service from Paris to Monte Carlo.
Bus
The Lignes d'Azur bus operator links Monaco with various cities in France while Eurolines operates services from Italy to Monaco.
Boat
Cruise liners, such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, have layovers in Monaco.
Where to stay in Monaco
Accommodation in Monaco ranges from the regular chain hotels like the Novotel to the modern luxury hotels, such as the Hotel Hermitage Monte Carlo, but rates are generally high for all types of hotel rooms. There is one hostel situated near the train station in Monte Carlo.
Where to stay in popular areas of Monaco
Most booked hotels in Monaco
How to Get Around Monaco
Public Transportation
The best way to get around Monaco would be on foot or by using the network of public buses that runs through the principality. Tickets for the bus can be bought from ticket machines or on the bus, which will cost slightly more.
Bus
The bus network, which is operated by the Monaco Bus Company (CAM), has 6 different lines that pass by all the relevant points of interest in the principality and operate from 7:00 am to 9:30 pm.
Car
While you could rent a car at Nice Airport and drive to Monaco, this might not be the best way to travel as the roads in the principality are very busy and on-street parking spaces are limited. Public transport will make your life easier.
The Cost of Living in Monaco
ATMs are widespread and will accept most major cards while credit cards are widely accepted throughout Monaco. Cost of living is relatively high. A gallon of milk and a dozen eggs will cost around €9.30 ($10.30) in a grocery store. Eating out is likely to cost more than buying groceries and a meal in a less expensive restaurant will cost in the region of €25 ($27.80) per person.