Things to Do in Monaco

Monaco has two faces. On the Rock (Monaco-Ville), the old town, you'll find the Prince's Palace — with the changing of the guard every day at 11:55 — the cathedral where Princess Grace is buried, and the Oceanographic Museum, perched on the cliff since 1910 and once directed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Across the harbour, Monte-Carlo is all Belle Époque glamour: the Casino, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo and the gardens in front of the Hôtel de Paris.

Walk around Port Hercule to see the superyachts and trace part of the Grand Prix circuit, from the harbour chicane to the tunnel. For a swim, Larvotto beach is the principality's public beach, and dozens of free public lifts and escalators make the steep streets much easier than they look.

Monaco's calendar is packed with world-class events: the International Circus Festival and the Monte-Carlo Rally in January, the Monte-Carlo Masters tennis in April, the Formula 1 Grand Prix in late May or early June, the Monaco Yacht Show in September, and a busy season of opera, ballet and concerts through winter.

Spring and early autumn are ideal for sightseeing. Grand Prix week is unforgettable but crowded and expensive — book months ahead or visit the week after, when the circuit is still partly visible. Check the events above for concerts and shows during your stay.

There's no airport in Monaco: most visitors fly into Nice, around 30 km away, then take the train, a bus, or a 7-minute helicopter transfer. Trains from Nice reach Monaco-Monte-Carlo station in about 20 minutes, and Menton is 10 minutes further east.

Monaco covers about 2 km², so it's easy to explore on foot, helped by public lifts and a good local bus network. The Bateau Bus, a small ferry across Port Hercule, saves the walk around the harbour.

Best for swimming and boat trips: June to September, when the sea is 20 °C or warmer. Spring and autumn are milder and quieter — a good time for walking, day trips and wine tours.