Monaco is one of the world’s smallest countries, but also one of its richest. The principality is safe and clean, and Monaco’s attractions draw large numbers of tourists from around the world.

Monaco is located on the French Riviera between Nice and the Italian border. This small principality is in fact a single city with several districts. Monaco’s most popular district is Monte Carlo – this is where the famous casino and the most expensive hotels are located. Every year in May, the principality hosts the most famous race in Formula One – the F1 Monaco Grand Prix.

One day is enough to visit the entire principality. It will be a visit surrounded by luxury and beautiful views.

Attractions of the Principality of Monaco

Despite its small area, Monaco offers plenty of attractions, so there’ll be something to please every tourist’s taste. The principality itself is a great attraction, and a walk through its streets provides an exciting encounter with luxury and international chic. Before arriving, it is worth planning a visit to some of the most interesting attractions. Some of the must-sees are:

  • The Prince’s Palace of Monaco – it’s worth seeing just from the outside, but in the summer season you can also visit some of the rooms. (Paid entrance)
  • The Monte Carlo district with its famous casino – this is the most famous district in the principality and also the most expensive. This is where the famous Monte Carlo Casino and the most luxurious hotels are located.
  • The Old Town – the small Old Town situated on a hill is more like a movie set than a historical district. Here you will find lots of restaurants, scenic views, the Prince’s Palace, and the cathedral that contains the grave of Grace Kelly.
  • Cathedral of St. Nicholas – within the cathedral, behind the altar, rest the members of the Grimaldi family, including Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace.
  • Port Hercules – this yachting marina can be found at the midpoint of the principality’s coastline and is where the luxury yachts of the richest people in the world are moored.
  • The Exotic Garden and cave – the Exotic Garden is located on a steep slope from where you can admire not only magnificent plant specimens, but also a unique panorama of the principality. It is also worth descending into the prehistoric cave to admire the ancient rock formations!
  • Fontvieille district – this district was built on reclaimed land from the sea in the 70’s. It has a stadium, apartments, a heliport, and lots of greenery and sculptures filing the urban spaces.
  • Japanese Gardens – a wonderful Japanese garden built according to Japanese gardening rules. Next to it is the newest district of the principality (built on land reclaimed from the sea), and a bit further along there is Larvotto beach.
  • Larvotto Beach – the only beach in the principality, with imported sand and numerous amenities for sunbathers.
  • Oceanographic Museum – you will find the oceanarium in the Old Town. There are aquariums at level -1, including a huge lagoon of sharks. On the upper levels are located, among others souvenirs from the numerous journeys of Prince Albert I. A real attraction here is the opportunity to touch the small sharks!

These are the most important of Monaco’s attractions. Other interesting museums and scenery are still to be seen, but more time will be needed to get to know the whole principality.

The Prince of Monaco’s family

Prince Albert II currently sits on Monaco’s throne. He is the son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, the Hollywood actress Grace Kelly. The Grimaldi family has held Monaco’s throne since the 13th century, making it the longest ruling family in the world.

The Prince's Palace of Monaco

The Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Prince Albert’s wife, Charlene Wittstock – Princess Charlene Grimaldi –  is a swimmer from South Africa. On December 10, 2014, the twins Gabriel and Jacob, heirs to the throne, were born to the reigning family.

How to get to Monaco

You can easily reach Monaco from Nice in several ways. You can choose between bus, train, or taxi; or even helicopter or motorboat. Below I have collected information about the most popular means of transport.

  • The train to Monaco departs from the main train station in Nice (Gare SNCF Nice Ville). You need to look for the train going in the direction of Monaco, Monte Carlo, Menton or Ventimiglia – it’s a regional train, marked with the letters TER. Tickets can be bought from the blue ticket machines, and cost about €4 one way. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and the destination stop can’t to be missed – it is the only stop hidden entirely in a tunnel.
  • The number 100 bus goes to Monaco and departs from the Old Port of Nice. A ticket for the journey costs €1.50 and can be bought from the driver. The journey takes about 40 minutes. You can get off at a number of places, for example, near the Prince’s Palace or near the casino in Monte Carlo. Important note: by April 2024, bus no. 100 was changed to bus no. 607 to Monaco and bus no. 608 from Monaco to Menton.

Both modes of transport run regularly from morning to evening throughout the year.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Hotels in Monaco

Most of the hotels in Monaco are luxury hotels. If you’re wondering where to sleep in Monaco, and your holiday budget allows it, it’s definitely worth checking out the following suggestions:

Read more: Recommended hotels in Monaco

Interesting facts and tips for tourists

Monaco is considered to be a very expensive country – the prices of flats and hotels actually make you dizzy. But with the exception of the Monte Carlo district, you can spend some time in the principality without spending a lot of money. In the Old Town you will find restaurants serving dishes at prices similar to those in Nice, and some products in grocery stores are even cheaper than in the nearby French cities.

Fontvieille, district of Monaco

Fontvieille, district of Monaco

Monaco is small; it covers the equivalent of half of Central Park in New York – so the most convenient way to get  around Monaco is to walk. But, if you don’t want to walk, you can use the well-developed public transport. Bus lines connect all the important places within the principality. You can buy tickets at any of the bus stop ticket machines, or from the bus driver.

Monaco is a safe place to visit. There is no need to be afraid of assault or theft. Police stand at many roundabouts and intersections, mainly to act as a deterrent. They will also help tourists find their way to their destinations if they become lost. However, always remember to behave decently and obey the law in Monaco. Do not throw trash in the streets and make sure you behave politely, otherwise you may attract the attention of the security services.