Monaco Travel Guide: What to See, Where We Stayed, and How to Plan a Visit

This tiny little principality is such a special place!  It is the second smallest country in the world covering an area of ¾ of a mile.  Even though it is an independent state, French is the spoken language and Euros are the currency.  This tax haven, is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world and one of the world’s most famous port. It is probably the cleanest and safest place I have ever been.

Seeing Monaco Without Rushing

You can see most of Monaco in one day, but it also works if you are staying nearby and want to come in more than once. The easiest way to structure it is to start near Port Hercule, go up to the Rock for the palace and the old streets, stop at the Oceanography Museum, then finish in Monte Carlo around the casino. Monaco has hills, elevators, and staircases so doing it in an order helps. If you have extra time or you are staying overnight, add a garden walk or more time along the harbor.

    • Casino Square and Monte Carlo

    This is the Monaco everyone pictures. Even if you do not care about gambling, go see it. Hit the slots at the smaller casino or try you luck at the tables in the main casino.  Don’t forget to order a martini and check out the fancy cars parked in front

    The Palace

    The palace sits high above the port and the walk up is worth it for the views alone. Built in 1215 as a fortress then became the Royal Palace in the 16th century.  If you time it right you can see the changing of the guard, then wander the narrow streets on the Rock. This part of Monaco feels older and calmer than the harbor.

    • Oceanography Museum

    This is one of the easiest places to visit in Monaco, especially with kids or teens. It is a classic oceanography museum with aquariums and exhibitions, plus newer interactive pieces. When we noted it, tickets were 19 euros for adults and 12 for kids, but check before you go. Plan about an hour. Stay longer if you need an indoor break or you are visiting in the heat.

    Port Hercule

    The port is the best place to slow down. You can have a drink or some ice cream and watch the yachts come in and out of one of the most stunning ports around. It is also where a lot of the Grand Prix route runs so you might recognize parts of it. This is a good place to start or end your day because everything connects from here. If you are staying longer, come back here in the evening. It is still lively but not chaotic.

    • Gardens

    Wander around the gardens on a nice day.  There is the exotic, botanical and Princess Grace’s rose garden to name a few.

    Monaco Grand Prix Route

    Monaco is famous for the Formula 1 Grand Prix every May. If you are not there on race weekend you can still see parts of the track because it runs through regular streets. Around the harbor you can walk the same section the cars take, see how tight the turns are and spot the stands if they are being set up. It is fun to realize how small Monaco is compared to how big the race looks on TV. If you are visiting close to race time, expect more barriers, more crews working and higher prices. If you are visiting off season, it is just a nice extra thing to point out as you walk.

    • Where We Stayed

    We stayed at Aparthotel Adagio Monaco Josephine. It was in a good location, had enough space, was dog friendly and affordable, even in summer. For Monaco that is already a win. If you are traveling with a teen or a pet, an apartment style hotel makes it easier to come and go without feeling like you have to dress up for the lobby. We would stay there again.

    What We Ate

    We kept food simple. There are plenty of places near Casino Square for a drink or snack, but prices can be high. Down near the port you can find easier spots for the afternoon. If you are basing in Monaco or staying more than one night, it is worth eating in Beausoleil or going back to Nice or Menton for dinner. You get better prices and more choice right outside the border.

    • Know Before You Go

    When to visit: Late spring to early fall for the best weather. May if you want Grand Prix energy.
    How to get there: Train or bus from Nice, Menton, or Italy. Driving in is straightforward, just follow signs into Monaco.
    Where to park: Use public parking garages inside Monaco. Street parking is limited and monitored.
    What to pack: Comfortable shoes for hills and elevators, something nicer if you plan to visit the casino.
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    Planning More Travel

    Monaco is easy to add to a southern France or northern Italy trip.
    Spring in Provence – base yourself in the countryside and day trip to the coast
    Exploring Liguria – Santa Margherita, Portofino, and beach days on the Italian Riviera
    Versailles in a Weekend – another easy day out from France with parks, gardens, and history