The independent city-state of Monaco is nestled in the easternmost corner of the French Riviera, close to the Italian border. It’s only just over 2 km2 (or about 0.8m2) in size yet packed with must-sees. If you have limited time, you can definitely spend a fantastic one day in Monaco seeing most of the sights.
Monaco is not the kind of destination that will please every type of traveler. If you’re looking to unveil the true Monegask culture, then you’ll likely end up being disappointed because the cultural highlights seem to be overshadowed by the blinding displays of glamour. However, if you can take Monaco for what it is, a luxury playground in the most picturesque location with a fascinating history and an interesting collection of cultural sights, then you’re in for a treat.
A visit to the Principality of Monaco makes for a wonderful day trip from Nice, the main tourist hub on the French Riviera. Just note that the timing of your visit might greatly impact your experience. My latest visit happened to coincide with the Monaco Grand Prix, which is probably the worst time to visit if you’re not a Formula 1 fan and don’t have access to the race cicuit. As a result, I was unable to follow through with my planned itinerary and missed some of the sights that I had hoped to revisit after my earlier visits years ago. Nevertheless, I did manage to see some of Monaco’s most iconic landmarks. But I’d strongly recommend visiting Monaco during major events as well as during the summer months.
How to Move Around Monaco
The most convenient way to reach Monaco is by train. The train ride from Nice only takes half an hour. Monaco’s train station is a huge network with different exits to take you to the neighborhood of your choice.
Another option is to take an Uber. However, the driver isn’t allowed to bring you into the country and so you’ll need to be dropped off Beausoleil, a French town just across the street from Monaco.
The Principality may be very compact but it’s surprisingly difficult to navigate. Because it’s nestled between the sun-kissed Mediterranean cliffs, the various neighborhoods are located at different levels. Luckily, there are plenty of public lifts and escalators that connect the areas uphill and downhill. Still, I’d certainly recommend to wear comfortable shoes.
Other options to move around Monaco include the public bus, the hop-on hop-off bus, and the little tourist train.
A Perfect One Day in Monaco Itinerary
Morning
Your morning in Monaco will be spent exploring the Monaco-Ville neighborhood, commonly referred to as Le Rocher (The Rock) because of its position on the promontory. It’s home to some of the most emblematic landmarks in the Principality. Getting uphill does involve climbing up the Rampe Major with its seemingly endless flights of stairs but the views from up Le Rocher are well worth the effort. The enchanting streets of Monaco-Ville are lined with colorful houses, some of which are over 500 years old.
Breakfast at Woo
The terrace of Woo is a wonderful place to start your day in Monaco, thanks to its convenient location at the foot of Le Rocher. Fuel up with a nutritious bowl, sandwich, or bagel paired with a cold-pressed juice.
Morning Activities
The most iconic landmark on Le Rocher is the Prince’s Palace, the residence and official office of the princely family. The Palace was built in the 16th and 17th centuries around a fortress that dates back to the 13th century. During the spring and summer months, the State Apartments, from the Cour d’Honneur to the Throne Room, can be visited. The self-guided tour leads along colorful mosaics and royal portraits in the most sumptuously decorated salons and galleries. Audioguides are available at the ticket office. I’d certainly recommend booking your tickets in advance. You can do so directly on the website of the Prince’s Palace. You don’t need a ticket to visit the changing of the guards ceremony, every day at 11h55 sharp. Just be sure to get there early when you visit during the high season. I watched the ceremony on a weekday in late May and it was already very crowded. Also, there’s no shade so be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the midday sun.
The Roman-Byzantine style Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate was constructed in the 19th century on the foundations of the former Saint-Nicholas Church. This Roman-Byzantine style. If you’re dressed appropriately, you’re free to enter, admire the altar, the beautiful altarpieces (of which the Saint-Nicolas Altarpiece by Louis Bréa stands out), and visit the resting place of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco. Across from the Cathedral, you’ll find a wonderful overlook of the Port de Fontvieille. Instead of walking down the street towards your next activity, I suggest strolling the parallel Saint-Martin Gardens. The coastal balcony offers a postcard view of your next stop.
The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is the life’s work of Prince Albert I. A sailor at heart, he made it his mission to introduce the public to the wonders of the underwater world. As one of the pioneers of oceanography, he established this fascinating museum in its sensational cliff-perched location directly overlooking the Mediterranean. In addition to exhibitions about the history of oceanography, the Oceanographic Museum features many interactive experiences that spark the interest of visitors of all ages, from a touch pool to a virtual reality diving session.
Lunch at Le Marché de La Condamine
Close to the base of the Rocher, you’ll find Le Marché de La Condamine, a lively covered marketplace with its Food Hall. It’s the perfect place to get a glimpse of local life without its luxury coating while sampling the local cuisine. I opted for one the signature dishes of Monaco, the Barbaguan, from A Roca. It’s a fried pastry stuffed with cheese and either Swiss chard or spinach. And I couldn’t resist the fresh pasta at La Maison des Pâtes either.
Afternoon
The first part of your afternoon will be spent in the northwestern part of Monaco where you’ll discover stunning panoramas amidst a flourishing landscape and modern artwork in a chic setting. Afterward, you’ll take bus number 2 towards the glitzy Monte Carlo neighborhood. This is Principality’s epicenter of glitter and glamour, home to the most emblematic landmark of Monaco, the most luxurious hotels, the most flashy cars, and the dreaded hairpin of the Monaco Grand Prix Formula One race circuit.
Afternoon Activities
The Exotic Garden of Monaco offers a peaceful escape from the ever-bustling streets of Monaco. It’s home to a vast collection of succulents and cacti. What I like is that the blooming periods do not coincide: succulents mostly flower in winter while cacti tend to bloom in Spring and Summer. So, no matter the season, the experience is always abundant. And, thanks to the garden’s position high up the cliff, the panoramas are spectacular. There’s also a prehistoric limestone cave on the site of the park that was formed thousands of years ago. The Exotic Garden and its Observatory Cave are set to reopen in 2025 after a thorough renovation.
Steps from the Exotic Garden, between the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology and the Princesse Antoinette Park, stands a stately villa that has recently become one of the two locations of the New National Museum of Monaco. Villa Paloma is dedicated to modern art and features rotating exhibitions. But it’s not just the art that steals the show: The stunning terraced garden and outdoor lounge offer amazing views over Monaco.
The Casino of Monte Carlo is the number one landmark of the Principality. The best place to admire the most beautiful building of Monaco, designed by the same French architect – Charles Garnier – who created the Palais Garnier in Paris, is the Casino Gardens in front of the Casino. Unfortunately, because of the Grand Prix event, the gardens were blocked and I missed out on this signature view. In the afternoon, you can visit this legendary Casino. Your ticket price even includes a voucher for use at the Slots in the Renaissance rooms. Just be sure to bring your passport. I love delving into historical anecdotes to imagine the ambiance of bygone times. If the Casino walls could talk, they’d have some incredible stories to tell, like the captivating tale of La Bella Otero. It truly captivates the grandeur and allure of Monaco’s famous Casino. After your visit, take the time to walk behind the Casino, towards the Mediterranean, and enjoy the fragrant gardens and lily ponds.
Dinner at Supernature
Enjoy a pleasant evening stroll along the ultra-luxurious yachts moored at the Port Hercule before arriving at Supernature. I love the convivial ambiance at this casual restaurant slash natural wine bar. Even during the busy event season and without reservation, when many restaurants are fully booked, my travel companions and I were looked after with a smile. The food is honest, healthy and delicious. All seasonal dishes can be shared allowing us to discover different wine pairings.
Night
Monaco never sleeps. There’s plenty of nightlife to explore, especially during Spring and Summer. Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo is one of the most popular clubs where you can rub shoulders with renowned DJs and international celebrities. Other options in Monte Carlo are Twiga and Buddha Bar.
Spending the night?
My visit to Monaco was a day trip, so I didn’t spend the night there. It wasn’t an option either, since the nightly rates are through the roof during the Monaco Grand Prix. But if I were to make it a longer stay in Monaco, I’d opt for Monte Carlo Beach Hotel since it’s the only beach hotel in Monaco. The Principality is buzzing day and night, so much so that the beach seems like welcome place to relax in-between visits.
Author’s Box: Sarah Vanheel is a trained teacher of French as a foreign language who considers Nice to be her second home. With this cosmopolitan city as her travel base, she ventures throughout the French Riviera. Nice & Beyond is where she bundles her experience-based travel tips into actionable travel guides to help visitors plan the most amazing vacation in this stunning Mediterranean region.
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